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Krell

The Krell Piano Company was established in 1889 by Albert Krell and his sons Alexander and Albert, Jr., in Cincinnati, Ohio. Alexander Krell died in 1895, and Albert Sr. died in 1900, leaving Albert Krell Jr. to run operations.  Albert Krell went into partnership with Jesse French to create the “Krell-French Piano Company” of Springfield, Ohio, but their factory was destroyed by fire soon after.

In 1905 Albert Krell left The Krell-French Piano Company to start The Auto-Grand Piano Company in Connersville, Indiana.  In the 1920s the firm was purchased by Werner Industries (Not to be confused with The Werner Piano Company).  Werner Industries continued to build pianos under the names of Krell, Auto-Player, Duchess and Royal. The firm was ultimately purchased by The Starr Piano Company in 1927. Starr continued to build pianos under the Krell name until about 1950.

The Krell name continued to be produced until about 1950. The few extant Krell pianos that we have seen come through our shop have been of very good quality, indicating that Krell produced a higher grade piano than average.

INSTRUMENT CATALOGS & EPHEMERA

Can you find your instrument listed in these antique catalogs?

Krell Piano Catalog
Krell Illustrated Piano Catalog, Circa 1925
Krell Advertisements
Period Advertisements From The Krell Piano Company
Krell Auto-Grand Player Piano Ads
Early 20th Century Advertisements for the Krell “Auto-Grand” brand player
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