Chickering

Chickering
The Chickering & Sons Piano Co. was founded in 1823 by Jonas Chickering who was a piano innovator and creator of many advances in piano technology.  His most noteworthy contribution to piano technology was the development of a one-piece cast iron plate which would support great amounts of string tension on grand pianos.  This significant innovation changed the way pianos have been made ever since.  Pianos of today would be lacking much of their beautiful sonorities if it had not been for this Chickering family invention.  It is no wonder that along with the new construction, Chickering & Sons became quite a successful company as it rose to be the top piano producer in the mid 19th century.  (This success was only to be topped by Steinway when it came into popularity in the 1860s.)   Jonas Chickering employed his three sons in his business after training them under his own guidance.  One son, C. Frank Chickering did extensive research in piano making and won many top awards for his work.  Chickering & Sons pianos were enjoyed by a wide range of composers, pianists, and entertainers.  As the Chickering family passed on, Chickering & Sons was bought by various companies through the 1900s.  The most recent rights to Chickering pianos were bought by Baldwin piano company who are now a part of Gibson Guitars.