Grinnell Brothers “Playtona” Model Upright Player Piano
Lovely “Playtona” Upright Player Piano with Green Revival Influences
Clearance - Please Inquire
DEPOSITS: The restoration of this instrument has not been completed. A 30% deposit is required on instruments pending restoration. This deposit holds the instrument and keeps it from being offered to other clients, and it also makes that piano’s restoration a priority. Once we complete the restoration, we invite the client to visit our shop to see and hear the piano. If the client is unable to visit our shop, we will send professional photos and videos of the piano for review. The client then has the option of paying the balance and purchasing the piano, transferring their balance to another piano in our shop, or getting a full refund for their deposit. The client is never at risk.
For Sale
Specifications
Description
Grinnell Brothers was founded in 1882 in Detroit, Michigan, originally as a manufacturer of reed organs. Located on Woodward Avenue, the company quickly grew into one of the most prominent music retailers and manufacturers in the region.
In 1902, Grinnell expanded into piano production, introducing a line of upright and baby grand pianos. Over the following decades, the company broadened its offerings to include a full range of uprights, baby grands, and player pianos, gradually transitioning away from organ manufacturing as pianos became its primary focus.
In the early 20th century, Grinnell partnered with the Aeolian Company, one of the largest piano producers in the world, to manufacture instruments built to Grinnell’s specifications. In addition to the Grinnell name, the company also produced pianos under several secondary brands, including Lenard, Clayton, Holly, Uxbridge, and Playtona. Grinnell remained active and well-regarded into the early 1960s. The name was later revived in the 1990s on a limited number of instruments produced by Samick Musical Instruments.
This particular instrument is one of Grinnell’s “Playtona” model player pianos, produced during its association with Aeolian. The piano is crafted from richly figured imported Honduran mahogany and designed in the elegant Greek Revival style. Distinctive carved trusses and fluted pillars on either side of the case lend the instrument a refined, architectural presence, formal yet tastefully understated.
Now fully restored to like-new condition, both mechanically and cosmetically, this piano is a full-size “upright grand,” offering string length and tonal capacity comparable to that of a grand piano. The result is a powerful, rich, and resonant tone capable of satisfying even the most discerning musician.
Although this was built as a pneumatic player piano, the instrument has been restored without the original pneumatic components which were beyond repair. It is fully restored and available as is, but upon request can be thoughtfully updated with the modern QRS Pianomation system with minimal turnaround time for installation. This advanced system allows the piano to play itself via wireless streaming from any smart device, providing access to a library of over 13,000 song titles, all while preserving its traditional playability.
A matching piano bench is included, completing this elegant and historically significant instrument.
