New Wharfedale flagship upright Piano from Cavendish

Cavendish Wharfedale upright piano action

Cavendish Wharfedale upright piano

Detail of a Renner action

Cavendish Wharfedale £33,500

Proudly handcrafted in Yorkshire. This is the new flagship upright grand from Cavendish Pianos. Mellow, powerful distinctive English tone. Bespoke wood choice.

The Wharfefale was conceived to be the ultimate upright piano. It is often considered that an upright is in some way inferior to a grand piano. However, if an upright is expertly and lovingly constructed from the most superior materials available and of sufficient size it can be an equal to even its most prestigious medium-sized grand piano counterparts.

Cavendish is a boutique traditional builder rather than a large factory. For this reason the case can be made not from modern compressed boards like all other modern pianos but rather from real, solid wood. Cavendish is truly unique in the world of pianos in being able to offer a solid (not veneered) cabinet of heirloom quality which actually mellows and improves with age.

Seasoned local oak is converted into stock to be handcrafted by a local cabinetmaker into each component of the case. These components are then built up around the prepared soundboard and frame known as the acoustic body.

There are many manufacturers of actions and keyboards that a piano builder can choose from. Without doubt the very highest quality comes from the famous German makers Renner (for actions) and Kluge (for keyboards). They have been supplying the top German piano makers for over one hundred years. Cavendish use full Renner actions which means each of the hundreds of parts that make up the action are created by Renner and stamped with their famous logo. This is very different from a piano which simply uses Renner hammers and lesser parts for the action. Although this may seem a small technical detail, it has a tremendous effect on the way the piano feels. You can be confident you are experiencing the very best piano touch available giving the pianist access to the most subtle and sophisticated playing experience.

The keys are, of course, of paramount importance to the feel of an instrument. They are the single most noticeable component for a musician. Again, there are many makers of piano keys around the world but there is one maker that all the most prestigious builders turn to. This firm is Kluge, the undisputed master of the piano key since 1876. Our keys are designed and built for us by Kluge.

The tone of a piano is created through myriad choices in design, build and materials. At Cavendish we aspire to the great English makers of the past. Unlike our German counterparts where the tone is rather strident, an English piano is characterised by a tone which is described as "warm" or "mellow" with none of the brassy harshness associated with the majority of modern pianos.

Dimensions: 132cm high, 146cm wide, 61cm deep Price: £33,500 Includes matching adjustable stool and delivery (UK mainland ground floor)

If you decide to trade-in your Cavendish upright piano for a new Cavendish grand piano at any time within ten years, you will receive a trade-in credit equal to your original purchase price.