Essex pianos

[richard black]

Does anyone know which firm actually makes the Essex pianos, 'designed by Steinway and Sons'? Just curious... I'd heard about them, of course, but never actually played one until last week when I found some uprights in a college where I do some work. Brand spanking new so it's a bit early to be forming detailed opinions, but they struck me as decent enough bits of kit. Amusingly, they are replacing some Bostons which we had all grown to hate, for various reasons (including possibly the worst design of music desk I've ever seen on a piano - what's so hard about making a sensible music desk?).

[pianolive]

Essex is made in China and Boston by Kawai.

[keys60]

I think the Essex is made by Samick, although I could be wrong. It might be Young Chang and the Boston as previously stated, by Kawai. If you've grown to hate the Boston (which I think is just OK) you'll really hate the Essex. (which I really don't like, at least when I checked them out when they first came on the market)

[richard black]

Since asking the question, I have been pointed towards Larry Fine's publications online, which tell me that although early Essex instruments were made by Young Chang, they are now produced by Pearl River. Bostons are made by Kawai, which I knew, but I find out that my particularly unfavourite Boston is made in a different factory from the other models.

[dedilya]

boston grands are made by Kawai on Hamamatzu factory. It is very favorable piano, especially recent PE models. Uprights are made in Japan and America and can vary by quality. Here are related links:

https://www.balaams-ass.com/piano/chap-3.htm
https://www.marthabeth.com/piano_brands.html
 and of course Larry Fine book

The last "link" is to myself: I have Boston GP163 and absolutely love it, just watch humidity. But unlike some other people in this forum I also like and respect Kawai RX especially RX3, Yamaha C, Estonia... I am not talking about matured Mason Hamlin BB, just cannot afford it   

[keys60]

dedilya......you have good taste.

[dedilya]

I hope so