1898 Starr Cabinet
Grand Piano
The Starr Piano Company's history begins in 1849, when a gentleman by
the name of Trayser made pianos and melodeons in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1869, he
started a piano company in Ripley, Ohio, which was moved to Richmond, Indiana in 1872 when
James and Benjamin Starr became partners in the business. In 1878, Trayser retired, and
Milo Chase entered the firm. At this time, the name was the Chase Piano Company. In 1884,
the Starr brothers obtained control of the company and the name changed again to the Starr
Piano Company. Benjamin died in 1903, at which time the company was making over 18,000
pianos a year. Some of the names that the Starr Piano company used were: Richmond,
Remington, Cumberland, Krell, Cornado, Duchess, Minum, Gennett, Pullman, Schmoller &
Mueller, and also Royal. The company ceased business in 1949.
The Starr Cabinet Grand piano I own was purchased from a family who
owned the piano since 1983. They purchased it from their church, at a fund raiser. After
their kids had taken piano lessons for a couple of years, and not liking it, they decided
to sell this piano. I paid them what they were asking for the instrument. This piano
really needed only minor tuning to be a good instrument. I refinished the case to bring
out it's carved surfaces. This instrument is a good example of the typical quality pianos
being made near the turn-of-the-century.It is not especially valuable, but has a full rich
sound and is lot of enjoyment. It adds class to whatever room it is in.
It should be noted that this piano was in 2004 for $1800.
Click on any photo below for a larger view:
    
   
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