Local pianos hit the right note

Chinese dealers visit C. Bechstein's factory in Germany. The C. Bechstein pianos are made in Germany while its sub brand Zimmermann is produced in China. Provided to China Daily

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After he had been learning the instrument for two years, Cao Rui decided it was time to buy her 7-year-old son a proper upright piano.

Everyone told her to buy an affordable Japanese instrument, but Cao set her sights on a W. Hoffmann, a spinoff brand from the German piano maker C. Bechstein, that used to be assembled in China.

"You don't really understand until you hear

it with your own ears. The sound is sturdier and richer, the keys more firm and steady," Cao says. "And it offers the best value for money."

At the time, a W. Hoffmann upright made in Europe cost more than 100,000 yuan ($16,440) in China, but the one assembled in China and inspected by German technicians cost only 40,000 yuan.

Now, after practicing on the piano for three years, Cao's son has gained more strength in his fingers and has successfully passed grade 10 in the national piano exam, the highest level an amateur can reach in China. Cao is now considering buying a Chinese-made European grand piano as her son may pursue a career as a professional pianist.

European pianos, with their high quality and prestigious history, have been coveted by Chinese pianists for a long time. However, their high price has been a major barrier for local musicians. European piano makers are now coming to China to offer the same quality at more favorable prices as they look for closer collaboration with local piano manufacturers.

"With the rising demand for higher quality pianos in China, Chinese-made pianos with European origins are seeing a lot of potential here," says Zeng Zemin, secretary general of China Musical Instrument Association.

China is now the world's largest piano maker and consumer. In Europe, the number of piano manufacturers has declined from more than 300 to only nine since the early 20th century. The demand for pianos has also dropped sharply because of Europe's low birth rate and the financial crisis. In China, the rise of the middle class has boosted the demand for pianos. Being able to play the instrument is considered a sign of good upbringing.