C 169 Tradition

Without

compromises

Even with the smallest Classic C 169 grand piano we do not compromise. Part wise the identical action and large parts of the ‘sound system’ from our full size concert grand is here also implemented.

Combined with our extreme soundboard expansion in the lateral region, this creates a true giant among the small grand pianos that is effortlessly comparable to the larger grand pianos. This is uniqueness that can be heard and felt.

Awards and prizes

Product information

Design Concept

Trilogy Concept (Classic): This is an innovative design concept, developed by Schimmel in 2000. It is based on the idea to implement selected characteristics of our concert grand piano K 280 into the smaller Classic grand pianos as similar as possible. For example, we are using the same action of a K 280. Furthermore, we are using the long keys of our C 213 also in our smaller Classic grand pianos to achieve a more sensitive touch as well as a similar scale design from tone 44 up to tone 88 to achieve a similar sound characteristic. This way the designs are carefully simplified in detail and material compared with the Konzert designs, still remaining the main characteristics.

High performance hammer head

Our hammer heads are made from highly elastic merino felt with high flexibility and low damping properties. The felt is made from the highest quality merino wool in a traditional fulling process in Germany. For the hammer cores, we use hardwoods in combination with tension-regulating under felts. The result is a great richness of tone colours in the different dynamic levels, as well as long-lasting tones due to low damping effect on the strings (short contact period due to highly elastic felt).

Concert action - keyboard design

Due to the different physical conditions, grand pianos usually play better than upright pianos. However, by optimizing the lever ratios in the concert mechanism, it has been possible to achieve a significant improvement in touch. For example, the mechanism is now designed so that the repetition is just as high as on an average grand piano.

Mineral key top

"Mineral key tops" are used for flat keys on all Schimmel instruments. These were developed by Schimmel and offer a more sensitive touch for pianists. In addition to this secure and sensitive touch, they are "glare-free" thanks to the matt surface, which s particularly advantageous for the pianist, especially on stages with spotlights.

Prestressed keybed

The keybed of our grand pianos is made of high quality tone wood and designed to boost the frequencies that the soundboard is difficult to produce. This increases the richness of sound and the sound is more balanced overall. In addition, the player feels what he is playing through the transmission of the vibrations into the keyboard and thus has better control over his piano playing. The result is an improved ability to interact with the instrument.

Tone wood from the region

We use the term tonewood to describe all the resonance woods that produce the sound. For this we use selected mountain grown spruce from the Bavarian and Bohemian forests, the origin of tonewood of the German instrument makers. For this purpose, we only select perfect wood, grown slowly at high altitudes, so that soundboards can be joined that have optimal resonance characteristics. The trees are pre-selected in the forests and then specially cut and dried over long periods of time. Despite this intensive pre-selection, only about 2% of the timber obtained in this way is suitable for our soundboard production.

Tension collector

Up to 20 tons of string tension forces have to be absorbed in a grand piano. The soundboard should be influenced as little as possible by these enormous forces. To ensure this, we use a tension collector that releases the soundboard from these forces and allows it to vibrate more freely and unaffected.

Horizontal soundboard enlargement

Schimmel grand pianos are not built in a parallel shape, but in a conical shape. This means that the grand piano gets wider laterally from the keyboard in the direction of the string appendix. This creates an enlarged soundboard area compared to a traditional parallel design. In addition to a larger sound-producing-area, the string pressure forces can also be distributed more generously. The soundboard can vibrate more freely and produce more beautiful tone colours. This construction was patented in combination with the large concert mechanisms and the concert scale by Schimmel and is therefore unique.

Three-dimensional crowned and tension loaded soundboard with membrane shaped cut

The production of the soundboard is a complicated and lengthy process, the thickness of the soundboard at the various points, the wood moisture of the assembled parts and a subsequent "tension" of the soundboard when joining the soundboard on the strungback are just a few factors that have a major influence on the soundboard. Our extensive process ensures a richness of sound in all dynamic ranges, an even development of sound in all registers and long-sustain. Depending on the sound character that is to be achieved, our soundboards are manufactured differently. Soundboards with a membrane-like finish are particularly difficult to produce, but they also deliver excellent vibration characteristics.

Mass reduced bridge

The bridge transfers and distributes the vibration of the strings into the soundboard. Schimmel invented the so called mass-reduced bridge so that the bridge can withstand the string tension, transmit the energy optimally and at the same time prevent the soundboard from vibrating freely as little as possible. This involves milling a dynamic contour into the flanks of the bridge, which ensures that the richness of the sound is increased, and the sustain gets longer. An innovative idea that still received a patent even after more than 300 years of traditional piano making.

Dynamic soundbar

The "Dynamic Sound Bar" is clamped to the soundboard during the production of the soundboard. This regulates the flow of energy in the soundboard when playing at different volumes, thus ensuring a wider range of sound characteristics depending on the attack and volume. This is what we call high tonal dynamics. Depending on the size and shape of the soundboard, we use either one or two dynamic sound bars to achieve the best possible result. (see table)

Concert grand scale

The string layout, the so-called scale, of a large concert grand offers optimal physical properties for an impressive grand piano sound. For all Schimmel grand pianos, as well as all Konzert and the large Classic upright pianos C 126 and C 130, we have therefore transferred the middle register and the treble (tone 44 to 88) scale into all mentioned models identically from our large concert grand K 280. In this way, we achieve the same sound characteristics as with a large grand piano.

Triplex scale

An appendix of a string are areas of strings that are not made to vibrate directly by the hammerhead, but will vibrate through energy transfer and generate partial tones that provide even more richness of sound and longer sustain and can strongly influence the sound character. These areas are very sensitive and need to be crafted with precision to sound right. For this reason, we use CNC manufactured scales. The scales of our Konzert grand pianos can be even tuned afterwards, so that they can later be voiced by ear. Depending on the model, either no scale, one or two scales are used, resulting in one, two (duplex), or three (triplex) sound-producing sections of a string. (see table)

Multilayered pin block

We use pin blocks made of thin hardwood layers so that the instrument keeps its pitch optimally and is easy to tune. These pin blocks were developed by Schimmel in the 1950s as so-called "tropical climate resistant" pin blocks and have proven themselves over the decades.

Extended manufacturer warranty

Schimmel offers an extended manufacturer's warranty through its network of appointed dealers. Because we trust and stand by the quality of our instruments.

CAPE - Designed by Schimmel

As early as the 1980s, Schimmel used computers to improve the design of their instruments and was a pioneer in the piano industry. Since then, the use of computers for research and development has been constantly further developed and today, referred to as CAPE, represents a unique and all-encompassing software solution into which decades of development work and research results have contributed. On this basis, new ideas and designs are constantly being created that set standards in the industry. On this basis, the use of CNC machines for the production of precision parts has been promoted since the 1990s. These are then added to our instruments exclusively by hand and are a prerequisite for achieving the highest quality.

Environment standards

Environmental protection and sustainability have been part of the company philosophy at Schimmel since the company was founded in 1885. This starts with the quality of our instruments. With a Schimmel instrument, you are purchasing a durable product that will be used for many years, often for generations. Which industry can say that it repeatedly receives requests for spare parts for its products that are more than 100 years old? Durability conserves resources. In addition, we manufacture our instruments from predominantly renewable raw materials - domestic wood from certified forestry and wool - and our cast iron plates are made in an elaborate process from recycled scrap metal. Wood leftovers and shavings from production are used to heat production in winter, and we generate solar power on the roof of the factory. Biofilters and a modern heating system complete our production. And of course, we produce according to high German environmental standards. This is true not only in our manufactory in Braunschweig | Germany, but also in Kalisz | Poland. In China, the production of our Fridolin instruments is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001 to ensure our high standards of environmental protection and sustainability here as well.

Model series C 169
Model Tradition
Length (cm | inch) 169 | 67″
Height (cm | inch) 102 | 40″
Width (cm | inch) 154 | 61″
Weight (kg | lbs) 338 | 745
Finish Ebony high gloss | White high gloss | Mahogany high gloss
Standard hardware Brass
Optional hardware to order Chrome matte | Chrome gloss
Manufacturer Wilhelm Schimmel Pianofortefabrik GmbH
Country of origin Braunschweig | Germany
Action Schimmel action made by Renner | Germany
KeyboardComplete production Braunschweig
Keyboard coatingMineral | Bakelite
Number of keys88
Approx. keybed height from floor to underside keybed / keytop (mm)613 | 726
PedalsUna corda (left) | Sostenuto (middle) | Sustain (right)
Installation of self player possibleyes
Installation twin tone ex works | retrofit at dealers workshop*
(* since manufacturing year 2019)
no | no
Steel strings high performance spring steel with precise partial tone developmentHigh-performance steel by Pitthan | Germany
Bass stringsmade by Schimmel
Duplex / Triplex scale
for definition see product details
Triplex
Rim
molded wood made of multiple Sapeli laminations | support beams made of mountain grown spruce | enforced bass side for a better energy reflection
yes
Three-dimensional crowned and tension loaded soundboardmembrane shaped cut
Dynamic soundbar
for definition see product details
one
Bridge: solid beech capped by 5 layers of maple wood crosswise gluedmade by Schimmel
Cast iron made traditionallyyes
Castor typeone piece standard roll
Soft close fallboard standardyes
High gloss finishes are made of premium piano lacquer by layering process and hand polishedyes
Manufactured according to following standards:German Environment Standards
Click here to access the download of our product brochures:

Albert Mamriev

Pianist, conductor, music producer Albert Mamriev was born in Dagestan and studied with his father – a famous musician – Yankel Mamriev, with Professor Alexander Bakulov and Professor Nikolai Kostylev at the Central Music School of the Tchaikovsky Moscow Conservatory, with Professor Sergei Dorensky in the Tchaikovsky Moscow Conservatory as well as with Professor Arie Vardi at the S. Rubin Academy of Music at the Tel Aviv University (B. Mus and M. Mus.) And at the Hannover University of Music, Drama and Media (solo class).

 

Albert Mamriev is prizewinner of many international piano competitions such as: „Gina Bachauer“ in Salt Lake City, „UNISA“ in Pretoria, „Vianna da Motta“ in Lisboa, „Scottish International“ in Glasgow, „China International“ in Beijing and many others.

In 1992 for his concert activities and the performance of the music of Dagestanian composers, Albert Mamriev received a very important award – the Lenin Komsomol Prize.

In 1996, he also received a special award – concert grand piano from the President of Israel, Mr. Ezer Weizman.

Mamriev gives concerts worldwide at numerous renowned festivals such as:

the „Shanghai“ International Festival (China),

the „Gina Bachauer“ International Festival (USA),

the „Hong Kong“ International Festival, (Hong Kong)

the „Jerusalem“ International Music Festival (Israel),

the „Kotor-Art“ Festival (Montenegro),

the „Malta“ International Festival, (Malta)

the „Piano Stars of the 21st Century“ Festival (Russia),

the „Ludwigsburg Castle Festival“ (Germany),

the „Pianotune“ Festival (Belgium),

the „Franz Liszt“ Festival (Italy),

the „Wernigeröder Schlossfestepielen“ (Germany),

the „Roccabrivio“ Festival (Italy),

the „Ailon Baltic“ Festival (Estonia),

the „IKFEM“ Festival (Portugal)
the „Madeira“ International Piano Festival (Portugal)

and repeatedly gives piano recitals and Masterclasses in many music centers around the world, including Almeria, Augsburg, Beijing, Berlin, Braunschweig, Brussels, Cleveland, Dallas, Düsseldorf, Glasgow, Granada, Hamburg, Hanover, Jerusalem, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Mexico City, Milano, Moscow, Munich, Berlin, Paris, Reykjavick, Salt Lake City, Seoul, Stuttgart, Taipei, Taijuan, Tallin, Tel Aviv, Toluca, Venice and many others.

 

Mr. Mamriev has been a jury member at over 50 international piano competitions, including:
„UNISA“ (South Africa), „Ettore Pozzoli“ (Italy), „Parnassos“ (Mexico), „A. Scriabin „(Italy),“ Lyon „(France),“ Cantu „(Italy),“ Mozarte – Aachen „(Germany),“ F. Chopin „(Hungary),“ Cesar Franck „(Belgium),“ Young Virtuosos „(Czech Republic),“ Robert Schumann „(Italy),“ Spanish Composers „(Spain),“ Campillos „(Spain),“ Arcangelo Speranza „( Italy), „Valesesia Musica“ (Italy), „Maurice Clairmont“ (Israel), „Isodor Bajic“ (Serbia), „Young Talents with Orchestra“ (Italy), „Euregio“ (Germany), „Holland International Piano Competition“ in Haague, „Golden Key“ (Russia), „Piano Talents“ (Italy), „Delia Steinberg“ (Spain), „MIPF“ (Malta), „Astana Music Competition“ (Kazakhstan) and many others.

His students have won many international piano competitions, such as:

Anna Leyerer – “F. Liszt Center” IPC – 2021, 1st Prize, Spain

Evegeny Konnov – “UNISA” IPC – 2020, 1st prize, South Africa

Viktorija Bake – “Amigdala” IPC – 2019, 1st prize, Italy (young group)

Evgeny Konnov – “E. Pozzoli” IPC – 2019, 1st Prize, Italy

Lezanti van Sittert – “UNISA” NPC- 2019, 2nd prize, South Africa

Viktorija Bake – “Hannover-Beethoven” IPC – 2019, 1st Prize, Germany

Evgeny Konnov – “A. Scriabin” IPC – 2019, 1st Prize, Italy

Anna Leyerer – “Paris” IPC – 2019, 1st Prize, France

Evgeny Konnov – “Russian Music” IPC – 2019, 2nd Prize, Russia-Ryazan

Anna Leyerer – “Kyiv” IPC – 2019, 1st Prize, Ukraine

Shogher Hoveyan – “Hanover-Beethoven” IPC – 2018, 1st Prize, Germany

Igor Andreev – “Rina Sala Gallo” IPC – 2018, 1st prize, Italy

Evgeny Konnov – “Maria Canals” IPC – 2018, 1st Prize, Spain

Anna Leyerer – “Parnassos” IPC – 2018, 1st Prize, Mexico

Evgeny Konnov – “Cantu” IPC – 2018, 1st prize, Italy

Viktorija Bake – “Young Piano Stars” IPC – 2017, 1st Prize, Germany

Evgeny Konnov – “Malta” IPC – 2017, 1st prize, Malta

Lezanti van Sittert – “Young Piano Stars” IPC – 2017, 2nd Prize, Germany

Igor Andreev – “Gdansk-Baltic States” IPC – 2017, 1st prize, Poland

Evgeny Konnov – “Spanish Composers” IPC – 2017, 1st Prize, Spain

Pavel Kachnov – “Lyon” IPC – 2017, 1st prize, France

 

The complete recording of Wagner’s – Liszt transcriptions, and the world premiere of Ami Maayani Piano Concerto with Beijing Symphony Orchestra grows out of Albert Mamriev’s fascination for stylistic richness and the diversity of piano music, which was written between the periods of late Romanticism and the avant-garde, and his delight in the poses technical and interpretational challenges posed by this music.

 

Albert Mamriev is also a successful music producer. Under his direction, the “Neue Sterne” label released several wonderful CD recordings by very talented young musicians, including Alexey Chernov, Yuri Bogdanov, Romeo Zucci, Michael Bulychev-Okser, Grace Rhee, Andrei Stukalov, Elena Tarasova.

 

Albert Mamriev is also present on radio and television. Recordings of his concerts were made all over Europe, the USA, Mexico, Australia and Asia. He also gave several radio and TV interviews and interviews for music magazines, most recently including “Piano News”, “Piano Forum”, “Piano Wereld”.

 

Mr. Mamriev is the guest of honor at Classic Radio Orpheus in Moscow. In 2018, he was invited to a series of interviews on the program of legendary music journalist Joseph Tavor for 3 hours of live interviews and performances.

 

In 2021, Mr. Mamriev recorded a new CD album with compositions by Liszt, Brahms and Alkan. This recording was made in the Beethoven-Halle in Hanover under the direction of the world-famous record producer and Grammy winner Christopher Alder. You can find the recording on Spotify or directly on the artist homepage.

 

Albert Mamriev is the founder and artistic director of the international piano competition “Neue Sterne” in Wernigerode 

www.neue-sterne-wernigerode

and the international competition “Young Piano Stars” in Königs Wusterhausen 

www.youngpianostars.org

 

He is also the artistic director of the international music festival “Menorah” in Duisburg, the music festival “Jewish composers with a German background” in Hanover, the international piano and orchestra festival “Klavierissimo” in Wernigerode, the concert series “Junge Klaviersterne” in Brandenburg and the international piano competition the Neue Sterne Musikakdemie Hannover “Hannover-Beethoven”

www.neuesterne-ac.com

Mr. Mamriev has been managing the online music platform since December 2020

www.Fingering-piano.com

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