Hardman Peck Pianos
Hardman Peck History
Hardman Peck History
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From the Stark
County News, Oct. 25, 1872 "They handle the Steinway, Chickering and Hardman pianos, and Mason & Hamlin and Taylor & Farley organs, and the reputation of these instruments is so well established they require no commendation at our hands. Of the Hardman piano, however, we will say that it is the best instrument for the money in the market." |
The Hardman piano Company was established in New York city in 1842 by Hugh
Hardman. Hardman pianos soon became known for their fine musical qualities,
timeless cabinetry and durability. The house of Hardman progressed steadily and
at the 1876 Centennial Exposition introduced the Hardman Art pianos.
In
1880, Leopold Peck joins Hardman with the primary focus on developing the
Hardman piano as a noted performance instrument. In achieving his goal for the
Hardman piano Peck spearheaded many innovative design ideas and in 1886
introduced an artistic player piano called the Autotone. This instrument was
recognized as a piano of unquestionable excellence and beauty.
Picture shown is a turn of the century Hardman upright piano.
Leopold Peck becomes a partner in 1890 and the company is renamed Hardman, Peck
& Company. Peck acquires the business in the mid 1890's and the success of the
Hardman piano continues.
Upon Leopold's death in 1904, management of Hardman, Peck & Company passes to
his son, Alfred L. Peck. Under continued growth, the firm is incorporated under
the laws of the state of New York in 1905, capitalized at $800,000.
Carl E. Peck succeeds Alfred L. Peck as company president in 1911. Carl had
joined Hardman, Peck & Company in 1890 as production manager. Prior to this he
had spent eighteen years in lumber manufacturing in the Black Forest of Germany.
By this time the company had retail stores operating in New York and
Philadelphia.
The
artistic superiority of the Hardman piano had found its proper recognition in
the music world. Noted institutions chose the Hardman piano as their preferred
piano, and for many years Hardman served as the official piano of the
Metropolitan Opera Company.
Picture shown is of the original Bronx, NY factory
Success in the industry did not go unnoticed. The Aeolian Corporation, another
distinguished piano manufacturer, showed interest in acquiring Hardman. Having
additional resources in manufacturing, finance and capacity the Aeolian
Corporation purchases Hardman, Peck & Company. Aeolian expands the Hardman
product line, building to the quality expectations of the original company.
Today, Hardman, Peck & Company continues to build quality pianos to meet the
demands of every pianist. These pianos offer an outstanding value in a complete
line of console, studio, professional upright and grand pianos; all which are
available in a variety of styles and finishes.
Hardman, Peck & Company - quality crafted pianos from the world's finest
materials since 1842.
Hardman Peck
The Piano with a Heart for Music