It is common knowledge in the industry that the years leading up to the Great Depression saw some of the finest pianos ever built in America. During the 'teens and the 'twenties, the finest raw materials were available, technology had advanced tremendously, and truly skilled craftsmen (many being immigrants from the old country) were in surplus.  All of this came together to produce what is referred to as the "Golden Era" of piano manufacturing.

These vintage catalog photos show the harp, strings, and soundboard of a full size upright piano from the early 20th Century.  Note how long the strings are and how very large the soundboard area is.  The result is a large, full tone quality.  Strings in large upright pianos are often longer than they are in baby grand pianos, which is why these pianos are sometimes referred to as "Upright Grand" or "Cabinet Grand" pianos.

The Arts & Crafts movement seemed to be most popular during the first two decades of the 20th Century.  Since most Arts & Crafts era pianos were built during the "Golden Age" of piano building, they tend to be of exceptional quality and tone.  These Arts & Crafts/Mission pianos were often custom ordered instruments, and they were terribly expensive...often selling for several hundred dollars.  At that time, one could buy a modest house for the price of a piano! 

Needless to say, Arts & Crafts/Mission pianos were some of the finest pianos money could buy.  Today, our restored Arts & Crafts/Mission upright pianos are truly quality musical instruments, not just attractive pieces of period furniture.  They are restored to be functional, durable pieces that can be handed down for generations to come.