Pianos by Fandrich & Sons

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A reputation for outstanding tone and action response.

History
Fandrich & Sons Pianos is family owned and operated. Darrell Fandrich has been a piano technician and pianist for over 40 years and was a concert tuner for Sherman and Clay/Steinway for 22 years. Darrell has spent the last 15 years inventing, patenting and developing the Fandrich Vertical Action^TM, an action for upright pianos with the responsiveness of a grand piano action. His wife, Heather Fandrich, runs the office and sales end of the business as well as doing technical work on the pianos.

Pianos Offered by Fandrich & Sons
Pianos carrying the Fandrich & Sons name are the musical equal of most of the world's fine pianos. They are not for everyone, however, as they suffer the 'stigma' of low cost. For example, you can buy three of our 6'1" grand pianos for about the cost of one new Steinway 5'10.5" grand. We are able to offer pianos at such moderate prices because we purchase our pianos from Asian manufacturers. We don't purchase just any piano but select models for excellence of tonal design, based on our experience and on years of attending international trade shows and visiting various piano manufacturers in the US, China, and Germany. For the most part these are copies of old well developed German designs. We then upgrade these pianos by replacing the essential musical parts with the best parts available (action parts and hammers from Germany, strings from USA). An essential part of the upgrade is our own proprietary method of micro-balancing the keys. Last, we thoroughly prepare (tune, voice, regulate) each instrument to concert-performance ready condition.

The Fandrich Vertical Action^TM
The Fandrich Vertical Action^TM incorporates into the upright action the basic operating principles of the grand piano action, primary of which are the opposed forces of gravity strength, hammer return, and counterbalancing key weights that provide a responsive, continuously connected feel of touch.

The several thousand performers, teachers, students, and recreational players who have played the Fandrich Vertical Action^TM agree that it is the ideal solution where budget and/or space limitations preclude a grand piano.

As of April 2001 we offer the Fandrich Vertical Action^TM under the Fandrich & Sons brand name in a 50" upright piano built for us by the Klima Piano Company of the Czech Republic. These pianos feature the Fandrich Vertical Action^TM built and assembled completely by Renner and installed by the Klima factory. Final concert-performance preparation is done at our Stanwood facility.

"Our search for a piano consumed several months. We read The Piano Book and seriously researched all our options. During this time we played several Steinways, Bosendorfers, Schimmels, Mason & Hamlins, Kawais, and Yamahas. Although these well-known pianos are beautiful to look at, hard as it is to believe we found them inconsistent at best. The inflated prices were more a reflection of pedigree and finish rather than action and tone. In comparison, the Fandrich and Sons Model 185 played beautifully. The action was fully developed and the sound was warm and full. All tones were consistent, even with the slightest touch. If you are looking for the prestige of a big name piano and have money to burn, buy one of the brands mentioned earlier. But if you are looking for the best value going in a grand piano, buy a Fandrich and Sons model 185. We enjoy it more each day. Thank you Darrell and Heather."

-- S. Stern