The Piano Industry has been active in the United Kingdom for over two hundred and sixty years and its craftsmen have passed down their traditional skills through the generations and have developed a musical instrument which is probably the most perfect ever designed.

The Knight Company was founded in 1936 by Alfred E. Knight, a man who dedicated his life to producing small pianos of exceptional tone and quality. We have flexibility designs, all with constant performance. Matching stools and music cabinets are also available - manufacture to provide pianos in a wide variety of finishes.

We have revived the old craft of marquetry in our Essex Suites and our craftsmen are creating exquisite inlaid panels of many designs. Each Knight Piano produced at the The British Piano Manufacturers factory represents a combination of high standards in materials, technical design and craftsmanship, together with meticulous attention to detail both inside and out. The responsive Knight Piano will always satisfy the knowledgeable musician who demands an instrument which allows full expression of their creative moods. We at The British Piano Manufacturers are the very proud manufacturers of the Knight Piano.

Construction of the Knight Piano

Light European mountain grown spruce is used to fashion the resonant Knight sound board. This close grained wood used by master luthiers has more resonant characteristics than any other timber and is a major factor in the sensitive response of the Knight. The finished soundboard is air seasoned, kiln dried, then coated with a special moisture proof varnish, which enhances the tonal properties. The double carved main bridge is laminated and capped with quarter sawn beech. This method of construction eliminates dissipation of the vibrations which take the line of least resistance and follow the laminations.

Frame

Our all round rim type frame is built on the girder principle and has twice the strength of those fitted to the average piano. Knight designers have dispensed with the bar brace in the treble section and in so doing have eliminated the bad notes which normally occur on each side of the treble break bar. Our frame is anchored to the sturdy four post quarter sawn beech back, with the soundboard secured between the back and the iron frame. This exceptionally sturdy method of construction ensures stability of tone.

Strings

Pure tinned high tension wire is specially drawn in Germany to rigid Knight specifications. Bass strings are covered with extra heavy pure copper giving a total weight of 7 lb per set.

Casework

The carefully selected veneers come from many parts of the world including West Africa, South America, U.S.A., France and Burma. The matching and cutting of these exotic veneers by skilled men in our own workshop results in the most attractive casework. Gradually over the years we have perfected the cabinet and without doubt our method of using high quality selected veneers on shaped and banded core stock has produced the stability we require. Modern synthetic glues are used throughout and represent an enormous improvement on the old animal glues, which are subject to deterioration in today's centrally heated homes, schools and public places.

Action & Keys

The unique characteristics of our Knight action and keys were originally created by Alfred Knight, and this same basic design is used today at The British Piano Manufacturing Company factory. Improved materials, however, ensure greater durability. The Knight action, so responsive to the pianist's touch, enables the serious musician to achieve full expression. The keys are made from solid bass wood, selected for strength and lightness. The excellent hard wearing key covering will retain its touch, whiteness and stability for years. Cleaning the key tops is simplicity itself, using a clean, slightly damp cloth. No other treatment or cleaning agent should ever be used.

Hammers

The use of high quality 16 lb weight felt in the manufacture of the piano hammers is essential. It is for this reason we select our supplies from two of the worlds reputable firms. They are produced on hydraulic machines with pressures of 2000 p.s.i. which compresses the 100% natural marino wool felt, and eliminates the need to reinforce or dope. Hammers made by this method give fine tone and longer life.

In this age of ever-increasing leisure, music you make yourself offers the perfect leisure activity. Alfred E. Knight said "The richest child is poor without the gift of music". Today, more than ever, this is true. Music making is increasing in popularity in schools, where every musical mood is encouraged. Knight pianos are in many of these schools, where their high quality performance over many years is much appreciated. Schools and music teachers throughout the country often insist on the Knight. Some non-playing parents feel that their children can learn to play on any old piano - this is a mistaken policy. Statistics prove that the biggest single reason why children drop out of piano lessons is the condition of their instrument. A new Knight piano will provide the encouragement to give you and your children a lifetime of musical pleasure.

It is with regret that the UK Piano Page has to inform you that Knight Pianos Ltd, is no longer producing pianos in the UK.

If you are looking for history or information on your Knight Piano, please ask at our piano forum

ALFRED KNIGHT SERIAL NUMBERS

Old Piano Models Made by Alfred E. Knight

The K10 London

Height: 112 cm (3' 8") Width: 142 cm (4' 8") Depth: 54cm (1' 10")

The K10 Slimline

Height: 112 cm (3' 8") Width: 140 cm (4' 7") Depth: 54cm (1' 10")

The Savoy

Height: 122 cm (4' 0") Width: 145 cm (4' 9") Depth: 54cm (2' 1")

The Savoy

Height: 122 cm (4' 0") Width: 145 cm (4' 9") Depth: 54cm (2' 1")

The Savoy School

Heavy duty twin-wheels, tyred castors, Long music desk, Two locks, Brass kick plate, Woven back, Sturdy castor blocks, Rounded edges on case parts