History of Everett Pianos
Formed in 1883 in Boston by Mr. John Church (John Church & Company) and Mr. Frank A. Lee, the Everett Piano Company was originally established for the purpose of building a commercial grade piano. In June 1926, Everett merged with the Cable-Nelson Piano Company and the firm moved manufacturing facilities from Boston to South Haven, Michigan.
It is said, the name Everett was chosen because it was easy to remember and easy to spell. Early on, the Everett Piano Company gained worldwide recognition from musicians and pianists including Reisenauer, Dr. Neitzel, Chaminade, and Carreno, who requested Everett pianos for their live performances whenever possible. The Everett name was sold to the Hammond Organ Company in 1954 and later sold to Yamaha around 1973. Yamaha stopped producing Everett pianos in the late 1980’s, but the name was once again revived by a private company in the 1990s. There was also an Everett Grand produced in Japan for a short time. [2]
About Everett Pianos
The Everett name has been widely recognized in the industry for 100 years, but the early turn-of-the-century instruments are not very common today. Because small pianos were getting more popular in the home and the market for grands was shrinking, Everett ceased making grand pianos in 1946 and devoted their entire manufacturing facilities to beginning the production of small pianos for in-home or studio use.
A turning point in the company's history was its acquisition in 1936 by George Stapely. [1] Mr. Stapely was a graduate engineer who invented the Balanced Tension back. The Everett Balanced Tension back construction (patented), introduced in 1946, was a very important improvement in scientific piano construction. With this development, Everett achieved 40% greater tone freedom and a much more solid tone.
In 1949, as the result of many years' research, Everett introduced the first small pianos with a dyna-tension scale, which, according to Everett, gives them the "tonal beauty of a grand." The dyna-tension scale was developed and perfected by John A. Henns, America's foremost piano scale designer and it was unique to the design of the Everett pianos.
Restoring an Everett Piano
Beginning the process of evaluating whether to restore your Everett Piano is as easy as giving Lindeblad a call. They are superior quality instruments and the right restoration can really increase their playability and value. Call us today!
References:
[1] http://www.bluebookofpianos.com/agese.htm#EVERETT
[2] Pierce, W. Robert. Pierce Piano Atlas: Anniversary Edition, 2017 Our 70th Year. Albuquerque: Ashley,2017. Print.
[3] http://www.bluebookofpianos.com/agese.htm#EVERETT
