Make: Chappell

Made in: New Bond St, London, England. Taken over by Kemble in about 1970

Made by: Chappell, later Kemble

Rating: 50-70

Estimated Number In UK: 80,000 About 90% upright, 10% grand

Year and serial number:
1880 - 15000

1900 - 22376

1920 - 65000

1940 - 80870

1960 - 85832

Comments

Pre 1890. About 10% of Chappell grand pianos in the UK are made before 1890 and are varying in design, mostly with rosewood cabinets.
1890 to 1915. About 35% of Chappell grand pianos in the UK. Mostly 5ft to 6ft 6in rosewood, with turned legs and fretted desk. We’ve restored several of these with pleasing results. They are comparable to Bechstein and Bluthner in quality.
1910 to 1940. About 50% of Chappell grand pianos in the UK. Many baby grand pianos 4ft 6in to 5ft 6in. and in mahogany. These are some of the best baby grands, and restore well. 1940 – today? There were a few made after this date, mostly 5ft to 6ft in mahogany cases.
Pre 1890: about 25% of Chappell uprights available, mainly half plate straight strung overdamper pianos in rosewood or walnut; they have a sweet tone and restore well but the overdamper system limits the ability for sound to be cut off cleanly.
1890 to 1920: (15% of Chappell pianos available). The addition of rich sounding overstrung underdampers in rosewood. These are very pleasing pianos when restored, with beautiful veneer.
1920 to 1945: (20% of Chappells available). Very well constructed tall (125 to 130cm) uprights, with a rich tone and firm touch when restored, mostly mahogany; recommended for musicians. There were also some unusual “Art Deco” pianos, some very good but others more varied.
1945 – 1970: (10% of Chappells available). A variety of styles of cabinet; most well made with good tone and touch. c1970 – 1980: Made by Kemble. Good small modern pianos.
We’ve reconditioned many Chappell upright and grand pianos, mainly the ones made from 1900 to 1940. The tall (120 – 130cm) Chappell upright pianos of this period have a full rich tone and fine touch, and are well worth buying.