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The Daily Insight Hub

When did cable stop making pianos?

Author

Andrew Campbell

Updated on January 14, 2026

1981
In 2007, Yamaha decided to resume the production of Cable-Nelson pianos, which were manufactured mainly in China. The last American-manufactured Cable-Nelson piano ended with serial number 427000 in 1981.

Who made cable pianos?

Herman D. Cable
It claimed to be “the world’s greatest manufacturer of pianos, inner player pianos, and organs”. In 1901, the company built a factory in St. Charles on 3.5 acres west of the Fox River….Cable Piano Company.

IndustryPiano designing / manufacturing
FounderHerman D. Cable
HeadquartersChicago, Illinois , The United States
ProductsPianos

Is cable a good piano brand?

Cable built a number of brand names including Kingsbury, Wellington, Schiller, Conover, Palmetto, DeKoven, “Euphona” player pianos, and others. Today, Cable made pianos are among some of the finest antique pianos we see come through our shop and they are well worth restoration.

How much is a cable company piano worth?

The original Cable Company pianos are worth anywhere between $500-1,000 unrestored. However, when Lindeblad restores early-American pianos like Cable pianos, the value can increase up to $20,000.

How heavy is an old upright piano?

How Much Does an Upright Piano Weigh? A classic upright piano typically weighs between 500 and 800 pounds. It usually takes at least four people to move an upright piano.

How can you tell how old a piano is?

Many pianos will have a 4, 5 or 6 digit serial number to identify the age of the piano. Using this number, along with the manufacturer, the age of the piano can sometimes be determined.

How much does tuning a piano cost?

The average price to tune a piano ranges from $65 to $225, and the cost can increase by several hundred dollars if the piano requires multiple tuning sessions or repairs. Piano tuning is a skill that only experienced professionals should do.

Why are spinet pianos bad?

A spinet pianos is a style of upright that has a drop-down action. The small soundboards, short strings and compromised action design make spinets terrible pianos for any player. Consequently, you will see a lot of them for sale in classified ads and low quality piano stores. No manufacturer builds spinet pianos today.

Can you move a piano in a pickup truck?

Large, heavy items like an upright piano can be moved in a pickup truck, but they can also do damage to your bed if you don’t protect it. Piano board. Flexible dolly or hand truck.

Who was the founder of Cable Piano Company?

Getting his start in organ manufacturing, H.D. Cable founded The Cable Piano Company, also known as “Cable Company,” in 1880. Born in 1880, Cable began his career working for Wolfinger Organ Co. and then moved to Chicago Cottage Organ. [1]

When did the Cable-Nelson Piano Company start?

During its heyday, Cable-Nelson acquired two Chicago piano companies: The Lakeside Piano Company and the Sweetland Piano Company. The Cable-Nelson Piano Company began operating in Chicago in 1903 as the Fayette S. Cable Company. Nelson joined the firm in 1905 and the company changed its name to Cable-Nelson Piano.

What is the value of a Cable Piano?

Cable Piano Company Restoration. For many Cable piano owners today, the decision to restore their Cable Piano Company piano is easy. The original Cable Company pianos are worth anywhere between $500-1,000 unrestored. However, when Lindeblad restores early-American pianos like Cable pianos, the value can increase up to $20,000.

What was the name of the Piano Company in the 1920s?

By the 1920s, the Cable Company was producing pianos under the names Conover, Cable, Kingsbury, Wellington, and Schiller.