Stuart and Sons
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Stuart and Sons is a manufacturer of pianos based in Maryville, a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Their pianos are noted for their use of Australian timbers for construction, including Huon Pine and red Western Australian casuarina.
Stuart and Sons pianos are known for unusual and innovative design features. Stuart and Sons pianos normally have ninety-seven keys as distinct from the eighty-eight keys found on conventional grand pianos. The pianos feature a "bridge agraffe" string coupling device, which enables the string when struck by the hammer to vibrate vertically and for a longer duration than in conventional piano designs. This is said to lend the instrument superior dynamic and sustaining qualities when compared with conventional instruments.
Stuart and Sons pianos are found at many conservatoriums and concert halls throughout the country, including:
- The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney;
- The Central Queensland University Conservatorium of Music in Mackay, Queensland;
- The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Eugene Goossens Hall in Ultimo;
- The Conservatorium of Music of the University of Newcastle, Australia;
- The Great Hall at the University of Sydney.
The Dutch-Australian pianist Gerard Willems exclusively used a Stuart and Sons piano when recording the complete piano sonata cycle of Ludwig Van Beethoven during 1999 and 2000. Since 2000 the young British virtuoso Mark Gasser also frequently uses the Stuart & Sons as his instrument of choice and has even reputed to have played all 4 pedals at once.
