Archive for December, 2023

Finding A Piano

Wednesday, December 27th, 2023

By now you may have figured out that I am the owner at R. Kassman Piano in Berkeley, CA. I just finished an article regarding “Getting A Piano In San Francisco” and thought that it was easy to give you a few ideas about finding a piano practically anywhere you are.

Finding A Piano

Finding a piano is easy, you can find one almost anywhere if you know where to look. Whether it’s on social media, Google, or at a piano store near you, there are plenty of options to choose from.

However, the real challenge comes when you need basic services like delivery and tuning. It can be quite a hassle to find these services if you’re not familiar with the piano business.

R. Kassman Piano

 In 2019, Ric Overton took over ownership of R. Kassman Piano in Berkeley, CA, after 40 successful years of operation under Mr. Kassman.

Keeping true to his commitment to providing top-notch Fine European Pianos and more budget-friendly options, I also introduced a new rental business and implemented some minor adjustments to continue the tradition while bringing in fresh ideas. That’s why I always suggest going to a local dealer to find your piano. The benefits of doing so are clear and will make your piano buying experience much smoother.

Without a doubt, I am still managing PianoSD.com, along with an exciting online piano store called shop.rkassman.com, and of course, rkassman.com.

Ric Overton

I really hope that someday you’ll be in the Bay Area, and you’ll take a quick detour to say hello and let Ric Overton help you find the perfect piano.

I can’t wait to assist you. 

Ric Overton

Fine European Pianos

Tuesday, December 19th, 2023

Fine European Pianos at R. Kassman Piano

When R. Kassman Piano first opened its doors in San Francisco in 1979, their aim was to bring Fine European Pianos to the area. Mr. Kassman quickly became a powerhouse in the bay area by offering top-notch Fine European Pianos. He even proudly adopted the title of “purveyor of fine pianos” to set himself apart from other piano dealers in the bay area. 

Steingraeber Piano

Okay, get ready to experience the top of the line German piano brand, Steingraeber, offered by R. Kassman. Steingraeber has consistently been recognized as the pinnacle of Fine European Pianos. Situated in Bayreuth Germany, they are known for hosting exceptional piano competitions and performances. Obviously, this is a brand you won’t want to miss out on!

Additionally, Steingraeber also builds one of the very finest pianos available on the planet. It is important to note that they also build one of the most expensive pianos as well.

Understandably, you simply have to experience this piano for yourself to understand its incredible sound and touch. It’s the top-rated choice but, if you’re serious about spending time at the piano, Steingraeber is the ultimate option for you.

Grotrian Piano

Grotrian Piano Grotrian piano is also in a league of its own. The sound of the Grotrian combined with the touch makes Grotrian one of the top ranking pianos.

Of course, when I bought the store from Mr. Kassman, I made a choice of was the best option for the business. Grotrian was the right choice.

Throughout the year, R. Kassman Piano has been busy selling and ordering Grotrian pianos for our customers. These pianos consistently arrive in pristine, top-notch condition, and it’s a rare occasion for us to have to make any adjustments to their sound or regulation.

While looking for one of the finest (ranked in the top 5 in Piano Buyer) pianos,then Grotrian is a piano that you have to experience.

Estonia Piano

Anyone who follows my blogs will know how much I love Estonia pianos. The tone is quite nice. It always comes in very smooth. It has a slightly brighter tone than some of it’s European counterparts but it’s not a percussive type of bright but more of a sparkling sound.

Obviously, the touch is incredible. R. Kassman Piano sells approximately 5 to 6 of these magnificent pianos a year and I am happy to be able to represent this work of art.

R. Kassman Piano

R. Kassman PianoR. Kassman has held the title of best piano store in the bay area for Fine European Pianos since 1979. I was truly grateful when I was given the chance to become part of this incredible legacy. He specifically mentioned that one of the reasons he reached out to me was because he knew my passion for European Pianos. 

Ric Overton has had a passion for exquisite pianos for a long time. The first time I played a Grotrian, I wasn’t as knowledgeable about sounds and touch as I am now, but I remember being blown away by the sparkling sound. I was completely amazed and couldn’t even find the right words to express it. 

Take the opportunity to drop by and play a European Piano at the best piano store in the Bay Area at R. Kassman Piano soon.

Thank you.

Ric Overton

Happening Now In The Piano Business

Sunday, December 17th, 2023

Ric Overton

Happening Now In The Piano Business? It has been some time since I last posted here but I am planning new things so hopefully, I will see you again soon.

R. Kassman Piano

R. Kassman PianoFirst let me start with the biggest change. In August of 2019 I purchased

R. Kassman Piano in Berkeley, CA. It was a major change for me that I would go back into the piano business as an owner but we found a way to make it happen and moved to the Bay Area in 2019.

Obviously, the pandemic happened not long after we arrived here. It has been challenging to stay afloat but we have managed to stay in business and doing okay.

Fine European Pianos

The cool thing about the change was that R. Kassman Piano has been known as the best piano store in the bay area for many years. A lot of that has been because R. Kassman Piano has always carried more luxury pianos along with Baldwin Piano and Ritmuller Piano which are a little more affordable.

The biggest names in the industry are Steingraeber, Estonia, Grotrian along with Schulze Pollman and Wilh Steinberg are among the names I carry in the store (more about them later). I also have more affordable lines like Baldwin, Ritmuller and some others from time to time.

Happening Now In The Piano Business

The world of pianos has stayed the same, while everything has changes. What I mean is that the business is basically the same, the pianos are basically the same BUT, the business itself has made a dramatic shift. Distribution has changed dramatically and the situation surrounding the industry has begun to retract in some ways.

China has made some drastic changes in the way they handle music education and this has slowed our availability some. We are watching carefully some of the policy changes that have been made and some initiatives that are altering the way the country is viewing extracurricular activities.

I will keep you updated as we move through these difficult times.

Thank you for your patience and we look forward to new things coming down the pike.R. Kassman Piano

Merry Christmas to you all and let’s see what the New Year brings.

Ric Overton

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