Blüthner Grand Pianos

Your guide to classic pre-war Blüthner grand piano styles

A Guide to Pre-War Models

Few instruments possess the romance, craftsmanship, and unmistakable tonal character of a pre-war Blüthner grand piano. Built in Leipzig during what many consider the golden age of piano manufacturing, these instruments are renowned for their warm singing tone, refined elegance, and extraordinary musical sensitivity.

At Piano Restorations Ltd we have dedicated decades to rebuilding these remarkable pianos. When restored with a bespoke soundboard, precision action rebuilding, and period-correct materials, a Blüthner can once again reveal the breathtaking tonal beauty that made the brand legendary among pianists.

Below is a guide to the most common Blüthner grand models produced before the Second World War.

Blüthner Style IV – 4’11”

The Jewel of the Baby Grand

Arguably one of the finest baby grands ever produced, the Style IV proves that great musicality is not determined by size alone.

When rebuilt with our bespoke soundboard, this instrument produces a tone that far exceeds expectations for a piano of its length. The sound is warm, clear and intimate—perfect for the home where space is limited but musical quality cannot be compromised.

Manufactured from the 1920s until the outbreak of WWII, these instruments feature the modern lattice frame and were typically finished in black, mahogany or walnut. Some rare walnut examples include elegant cabriole legs, although most retain the classic straight-leg design.

The conventional roller double-escapement action ensures reliability and precision. Once rebuilt, the touch becomes beautifully responsive, allowing the pianist to explore the expressive tonal palette Blüthner is famous for.

A truly remarkable piano in a compact form.

Blüthner Style IVa – 5’5”

The Rare and Elegant Step Up

Slightly larger and far less common than the Style IV, the Style IVa offers an immediate increase in tonal depth and richness.

The additional string length produces a broader bass and greater tonal presence, making it ideal for pianists who desire the intimacy of a baby grand but with a little more authority in the sound.

Like its smaller sibling, the Style IVa was produced in black, mahogany and walnut finishes and features the traditional roller double-escapement action. When fully rebuilt, the touch is beautifully fluid and expressive.

A rare and refined instrument for the discerning pianist.

Blüthner Style V – 5’8”

The Classic Blüthner Voice

The Style V introduces the pianist to what many consider the true Blüthner experience.

At this size the piano develops a richer bass and fuller resonance while maintaining the warm, lyrical singing tone that defines the brand.

These instruments typically feature the distinctive port-hole frame, elegant turned legs, and either a fretted or gate music desk, giving them a timeless and unmistakable visual character.

Most Style V pianos incorporate the celebrated Blüthner Patent Action, which when rebuilt becomes wonderfully light, quiet and responsive—allowing exceptional control and nuance.

For many pianists, this is the perfect balance between size, beauty and tonal depth.

Blüthner Style VI – 5’8”

The Magic of the Aliquot System

The Style VI shares the same elegant proportions as the Style V but introduces one of Blüthner’s most extraordinary innovations — the Aliquot System.

From note 47 upwards, an additional fourth string sits above the struck strings and vibrates sympathetically. This creates a shimmering halo of resonance that lifts the treble register and gives the instrument its famous golden singing tone.

The result is a piano of remarkable colour and warmth, adored by pianists who seek subtlety and expressive beauty.

Blüthner Style VII – 6’3”

The Professional’s Choice

The Style VII is where Blüthner grands begin to reveal their full musical authority.

With its larger soundboard and longer bass strings, the instrument produces a rich, resonant bass and impressive dynamic range while retaining the warm lyrical tone that distinguishes Blüthner from other piano makers.

Styling remains wonderfully classic with the port-hole frame, turned legs and fretted or gate music desk. Most were produced in black or rosewood, although rare decorative examples exist.

Some instruments feature the magnificent Jubilee cast frame, an ornate design produced in celebration of the company’s anniversary. These pianos are visually breathtaking and often possess exceptional tonal character.

A superb instrument for the serious pianist.

Blüthner Style VIII – 6’3”

The Style VII with Aliquot Brilliance

The Style VIII combines the commanding presence of the Style VII with the shimmering treble produced by the Aliquot System.

This subtle addition enriches the upper register with remarkable clarity and resonance, creating a beautifully balanced instrument that sings effortlessly across the keyboard.

Jubilee versions exist both with and without the aliquot system, making these instruments particularly desirable among collectors.

Blüthner Style IX – 6’9” – 6’11”

Power with Refinement

A relatively uncommon model, the Style IX offers a substantial increase in tonal depth and projection.

The longer bass strings produce a powerful foundation while maintaining the warm singing quality that makes Blüthner instruments so distinctive.

Most examples are finished in black or rosewood with turned legs and traditional music desks. On rare occasions exceptional decorative cabinets appear, including walnut Jubilee examples with cabriole legs.

These pianos almost always feature the Blüthner Patent Action, providing an elegant and refined touch.

A magnificent piano for the larger music room.

Blüthner Style X – 7’8”

The Hidden Concert Instrument

The Style X is one of Blüthner’s most overlooked masterpieces.

At nearly eight feet long, this semi-concert grand delivers remarkable power and resonance while retaining the refined tonal character for which Blüthner is celebrated.

We restored one of these instruments for the distinguished pianist Michal Hambourg, daughter of the legendary Mark Hambourg. She chose the piano to record her final album—an extraordinary testament to the musical capability of this model.

Elegant, powerful and deeply expressive.

Blüthner Style XI – 9’2”

The Legendary Concert Grand

The Style XI represents the pinnacle of Blüthner craftsmanship.

This magnificent concert grand produces a deep, noble bass and a singing treble of remarkable beauty, offering the pianist the full expressive palette of a great concert instrument.

The Beatles famously recorded on a Blüthner concert grand at Abbey Road Studios, maintained and prepared by my late father, Colin Leverett.

When rebuilt with our bespoke soundboard and precision restoration techniques, these instruments offer an experience that few pianos can equal — the weight and presence of a concert grand combined with the warm lyrical character that defines the Blüthner voice.

For the true connoisseur, it is an instrument capable of delivering unforgettable musical moments.

Blüthner Style XII – Approx. 6’2”

A Bridge Between Two Golden Eras

The Blüthner Style XII occupies a fascinating place in the history of the Leipzig factory. Produced during the transitional period between the great pre-war instruments and the more modern post-war designs, it beautifully blends traditional Blüthner warmth with a more contemporary sense of power and clarity.

Measuring approximately 6’2” (though this can vary slightly by an inch either way), the Style XII sits in the ideal size category for the serious pianist. Large enough to deliver a commanding and resonant bass, yet still perfectly suited to a private music room or elegant home setting.

What makes the Style XII particularly special is the balance it achieves between heritage and modernity. The instrument features a conventional roller action, providing a wonderfully reliable and responsive touch, while the modern lattice-style cast frame adds structural strength and tonal projection.

Visually, the design reflects this evolution. The straight, gently tapered legs replace the ornate styling of earlier models, giving the piano a cleaner, more contemporary appearance while still retaining the unmistakable elegance associated with Blüthner.

The result is an instrument of remarkable musical poise. The tone is beautifully balanced across the keyboard, offering warmth, clarity and singing sustain, while the larger scale gives the pianist a sense of power and breadth rarely found in pianos of this size.

At Piano Restorations Ltd we regard the Style XII as one of the finest Blüthner models ever produced—a perfect synthesis of the romantic voice of the early Leipzig instruments and the refined engineering of the modern era.

For pianists seeking a Blüthner that delivers breathtaking balance, grace and authority, the Style XII is truly exceptional.