Sohmer & Company was founded in 1872 in New York City and became a well-regarded American piano manufacturer. The company produced both upright and grand pianos, earning a reputation for solid construction and musical reliability.
American Manufacturing Era
During its peak years, Sohmer was considered a quality American brand, often positioned above entry-level manufacturers.
For technicians and buyers:
- Many earlier Sohmer pianos are well-built
- Some instruments can be musically satisfying even by modern standards
- They were not typically in the top concert tier, but were respected mid- to upper-mid-tier pianos
Tonal and Performance Characteristics
Earlier Sohmer pianos are generally described as having:
- A balanced tonal profile
- Good sustain and musicality
- Solid, dependable construction
Compared broadly:
- More refined than many mass-market brands
- Less distinctive than high-end European or premium American concert makers
Decline and End of U.S. Production
Like many American piano manufacturers, Sohmer faced increasing competition from imported instruments in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Original U.S. manufacturing ended in the early 1980s, marking the end of the historic Sohmer production era.
Later Brand Usage
After the original company ceased production, the Sohmer name continued to be used on imported pianos.
These later instruments:
- Were not built by the original Sohmer company
- Vary widely in quality depending on manufacturer and model
- Should not be assumed to reflect the earlier reputation of the brand
Technician and Buyer Perspective
For technicians:
- Older American-made Sohmer pianos can be worthwhile instruments to service or evaluate
- Later imported models behave more like other entry-level or mid-tier imports
For buyers:
- The era of manufacture is critical when evaluating a Sohmer piano
- Early models may offer good value if in proper condition
- Later models should be judged independently of the historic brand reputation
Important Note
Sohmer was a legitimate American piano manufacturer with a solid reputation, but original production ended in the early 1980s. The name has since been used on imported instruments that are not directly related to the original Sohmer company, making production era a key factor in evaluating these pianos.