other world instruments

Brand New Schoenhut Thumb Piano Model 1204 Natural

Schoenhut® toy pianos have delighted children, collectors and professional musicians for decades. Studies show that children who are introduced to music at an early age benefit in many ways and perform better academically. Demonstrating their durability, longevity and collectability for 135 years, Schoenhut® vintage toy pianos are featured at a number of prestigious museums and galleries.

Provide years of positive memories with a Schoenhut musical instrument

Thumb Piano Model 1204

The Schoenhut Thumb Piano has twelve metal tongues or keys. It is primarily a percussion rhythm instrument. Simple songs are easily tapped out using only your thumbs. It is tuned to the C key. Each instrument is handcrafted, serialized and signed by the artist. The thumb piano or mbira is easy to play and has a quiet soothing sound. By gently striking the ends of the keys with your thumbs, you can play familiar melodies and rhythms or improvise your own. It is a fun instrument to play since anything you play on it sounds good.

Colors: Cherry, Natural and Purple

Schoenhut Piano Company ~ Celebrating 135th Anniversary

During 1872 in Germany, Albert Schoenhut fashioned a toy piano for his landlord's daughter. Word of the beautiful little instrument spread, requests poured in and the Schoenhut® Piano Company came into being. Albert later emigrated to the United States and expanded the business to include dolls, circus figures, toys and other musical instruments. Albert's vintage toys have stood the test of time. They are avidly sought by collectors and can be found on exhibit at prestigious museums throughout the world.

Over the years, the Schoenhut® factory has been located in various cities throughout the United States. In 1994, Frank Trinca of Rochester NY purchased the company and re-introduced a number of the early 1900's styles and models. As the business began to grow, Frank encouraged his brother Len to become involved. Len and his wife Renee of St. Augustine, Florida, aware of Schoenhut®'s prestigious reputation and Frank's progress with the company, jumped at the chance. After traveling back and forth for five years between Rochester and St. Augustine, they moved the entire contents of the factory (including a number of employees) from NY to a newly renovated facility at 6480 US 1 North in St. Augustine.

Schoenhut® pianos are not simply small replicas of real pianos. They are authentic musical instruments that emit rich chime-like tones, making the sound unique. Each piano is chromatically tuned, educating the ear of a beginning musician. In addition, the spacing between keys is the same as that on a full-sized piano, teaching proper finger placement. The "tried and true" models (1-1/2 to 3 octaves) are still produced, i.e., a wide range from My First Piano for very wee folk right up through to Baby Grands for more advanced players. New designs and colors are also offered each year. Of great excitement in the world of toy pianos is Schoenhut's® new 44-key, 4-octave baby grand. This model is based on a prototype found in the Schoenhut® archives from decades past.

Although a large percentage of sales are to parents and grandparents for children, professional musicians and collectors comprise a significant customer base. The toy pianos are also popular with doll collectors who use them as part of their displays.