Wilhelm Schimmel W118 Upright Piano

Piano Overview

Schimmel has been producing high-quality, handmade instruments in Germany since the late 1800s. Fast forward to the early 2000s, and recognizing the need to diversify due to the enormous popularity of mid-range Japanese made pianos, Schimmel acquired a previously existing piano factory in Europe and began producing lower-cost alternatives to their fully German instruments.

While the pianos from the Polish factory were originally branded ‘Vogel’, today the pianos coming out of Poland are referred to as Wilhelm Schimmel. Sharing many of the same designs and some materials with the German made Classic series, the Wilhelm Schimmel instruments are an excellent value option, representing true European quality, but only slightly more expensive than a Japanese-made instrument.

The Wilhelm Schimmel W118 is a fantastic 46” made piano that easily outperforms larger mass-produced alternatives. The agile action, beautiful singing tone and classically elegant cabinet make the W118 a fine choice for both advanced musicians or beginners who want to reward themselves with a fine instrument.

Action

The action used in the W118 is assembled in Poland, but is designed by Schimmel in Germany. After the instrument has been assembled, it is shipped to Schimmel’s German factory for regulation and finishing touches, resulting in an action that plays wonderfully right out of the box.

Tone

Schimmel incorporates their proprietary ‘Sectional Scaling’ design method with the W118, which results in a tone beautifully rich in harmonics.

If you’ve been considering a Japanese instrument but aren’t totally sold on the sound, you’ll definitely want to play a W118! Powerful and lush, dynamic and colourful are but a few appropriate ways to define the sound of this instrument.

Hammers

Schimmel’s really gone above and beyond when it comes to the hammers. These double felted, beech core hammers are the same hammers used in their Classic series, made in Germany. This is a seriously high-quality hammer that greatly contributes to the tone of this piano.

Soundboard

Another feature that will draw folks to the W118 is the soundboard. While Japanese instruments use Sitka Spruce soundboards, the W118 uses A-Grade, solid Bavarian spruce. Bavarian spruce is associated with a clearer, brighter tonal profile, capable of excellent projection.

Cabinet

Available in three distinct colour options, the W118 is hand-finished at the Schimmel factory in Germany.