Pianos made by: Parsons Music, Hong Kong/China

Joseph Brodmann was a well-known piano maker in Vienna in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Ignaz Bösendorfer apprenticed in Brodmann’s workshop and eventually took it over, producing the first Bösendorfer pianos there.

The modern-day Brodmann company was founded in 2004 by two former Bösendorfer executives. Brodmann, they say, was originally planned as a possible second line for Bösendorfer, but when that company abandoned the idea, the two executives pursued it on their own. In 2014, the Vienna-based Brodmann company filed for bankruptcy protection in Austria. However, manufacture and distribution of the Brodmann line continue unchanged. U.S. distribution rights to the Brodmann line are owned by Piano Marketing Group; for all other parts of the world, the factory sells directly through its own distributor network.

Brodmann says its mission is to produce a piano with high-end performance characteristics at an affordable price by using European components in key areas, strict quality control, and manufacturing in countries with favorable labor rates.

There are three lines of Brodmann piano, all manufactured, in whole or in part, in China by Parsons Music. The Professional Edition (PE) pianos, made entirely in China, are designed in Vienna and use European components such as Strunz soundboards, Abel hammers, Röslau strings, and Langer-designed (Chinese) actions (Renner in the model 228 grand). Several vertical models use carbon-fiber action parts, for greater uniformity and dimensional stability, and all grand models are now available with optional carbon-fiber actions. For quality control, Brodmann has its own employees from Europe working in the factory. The scale design of the 6' 2" model PE 187 is said to be similar to that of a Steinway model A and is often singled out for praise.

The Conservatory Edition (CE), for the more price-conscious buyer, is also made entirely in China, from parts sourced globally, and receives Brodmann quality control.

The Artist Series (AS) models, introduced in 2011 and available only in the larger grand sizes (including a concert grand) and the largest upright size, are based on German scale designs. They are partially made in China, then shipped to the Wilh. Steinberg factory (also owned by Parsons Music), in Eisenberg, Germany, where the Röslau strings and Renner actions are installed, and all musical finishing work is performed by German artisans. The rim is made of maple; the soundboard, ribs, and pinblock are from Bolduc, in Canada; and the piano uses a Renner action, Kluge keyboard, and Renner hammers.

Brodmann has discontinued its entry-level piano line, Taylor London.

Warranty: 10 years, parts and labor, to original purchaser.