Baldwin: A Piano Company

When it comes to musical instruments, pianos are arguably the most expensive, most beautiful, and most iconic. When placed in a space, such as a home’s living room, a hotel’s lobby, or a bar or restaurant’s stage, it becomes a centerpiece for music and visual art. And when it comes to quality pianos, ask anyone from professional musicians to heavy duty piano movers, one name always appears: The Baldwin Piano Company.

Music teacher Dwight Hamilton Baldwin created the Baldwin Piano Company, when in 1866, he and business partner Lucien Wulsin established D.H. Baldwin & Company, a piano dealership in the Midwestern U.S. In its time, D.H. Baldwin & Company became the biggest piano dealer in the area, until Baldwin decided he didn’t want to just sell pianos, but create them. In his words, he wanted to create “the best piano that could be built”.

In 1891, he saw his dream realized when he created the Baldwin Piano Company, and unveiled their first upright piano to the public. In just 4 years, the company would unveil their first grand piano. Dwight would see his dream come true, but shortly after, in 1899, he passed away, leaving Lucien Wulsin to take over. Under Wulsin, the Baldwin Piano Company would win many awards and accolades all over the world, which would contribute to the popularity of the company and the brand. In 1913, the company was already exporting pianos to over 30 countries worldwide.

The company would then go through many hurdles, like the Great Depression, which saw the company lose sales with the sinking of the economy, and World War II, when the piano factories were converted to make military goods. But because of the company’s preparations and foresight, they would survive these two major events, and even gain good knowledge and insight into manufacturing techniques that would improve on their methods.

Despite this resilience, however, Baldwin Piano Company would reach a number of financial turning points. The first would be in 1983, which they overcame for 15 years until 1998. But when the early 2000s came, the bankruptcy would be final, allowing Gibson Guitar Corporation to buy Baldwin Piano Company.

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