Hi. Ok- so I started looking on CL for used Baldwin verticals, based on tips and posts I've read on this board (as well as some other brands.) However, I am confused as to the different names they used, and what they mean in terms of comparative quality (as originally manufactured.) I've read the Baldwin section in Fine's book, as well as searched quite a bit on the internet, but I still can't quite seem to get it all straight!
For instance: I just responded to an ad for a Baldwin Hamilton studio piano. Does "Hamilton" mean it is second in quality to a studio piano that is just labeled a "Baldwin"? I also saw one called a Baldwin "Monarch". Would that be as good as a Hamilton? Also, has the relative quality levels associated with each name changed over time, as well? This is so confusing!


Thanks again for all your help.

I don't know exactly the lines of Baldwin uprights, but the ines that are made in the USA and say "Baldwin" or "Baldwin Hamilton" were fine. DH Baldwins were built in Korea, but I'm not sure if they built uprights. "Baldwin" studio uprights are very respected here, they last forever. good luck.

The following applies to 1970's to 2001:

Baldwin Hamiltons are vertical pianos marketed as top of the line. Model numbers include the 6000, 243, 246, 245, and others. Those are studio size pianos.

Baldwin Acrosonic vertical pianos are very good, marketed one notch below Hamiltons, and model numbers had four numbers starting 4000 and higher, such as 4012, 4013, with the 12 and 13 referring to body styles. These were mostly console pianos but some spinets were made as well. but better than anything marked classic, or just simply marked Baldwin. I think models for these went into the 5000 range as well.

The better Baldwin Spinets started with a 3000 model number, such as 3012, 3013. some said Acrosonic on them.


The next grade down of vertical consoles had a 2000 series model number, like 2012, 2013.

The low grade spinet pianos had a three digit number such as 600, 500, etc.

I thought there were models in the 1000 range, but I've forgotten what they were.

There were also some low end continental style consoles made, I think in China, or maybe Korea.

Ellington and Monarch is an older model, low quality, made in grands and verticals. I would not consider either one.



I can't blame you for getting things mixed up - A solid marketing plan as it relates to model number consistency was not Baldwins stong suit. It must have made for interesting inventory control.

Now, shall we discuss grands? Why not?

Baldwin Artist grands, M, R, L, SD, SF - top of the line' USA made.

Chickering grands, two sizes, 5'8" and 5'4" I think - medium quality, larger size not too bad. USA made

Baldwin classic grand - often sold and mistaken for an artist grand, poor quality. USA made

DH Baldwin Grand, often sold as and mistaken for Artist grand, below average quality, Korean made

Wurlitzer Grand, below average to average quality, built by two different Korean makers.

Since 2003, Gibson bought Chinese piano maker Dongbei, and makes Baldwin grands and verticals there.

Please feel free to correct my memory on all of this!

The Hamilton studio upright generally referred to the simplest of cabinet styles for that model. It's the prototypical workhorse piano - they sound fine, they are easy to service, and for a combination of reasons, they are very hard to kill. Anything less than a .45 caliber would probably just make it mad.

Bob, Good job sorting those out. Baldwin was the first "mega-brand" in pianos - the first to try to be all things to all people. Baldwin names, Hamilton, Howard, DH Baldwin were all malleable to suit Baldwin's marketing purposes.

Good job - Gold Star!! 🌟

Wow--Thanks so much everyone for all the info and input. Specail thanks, Bob, for taking the time to write all that info out. I am definitely printing this out for future reference. (Maybe Piano World moderators can put that into the FAQ files?)
So Hamiltons were their top of the line verticals--even better than "classic" or plain "Baldwins"?? I did see an attractively priced one on Craigslist, but I was a bit suspicious (see my other post!). Now I am tempted to go see it anyway. I will pass on the Monarch I saw however. This info has saved me a trip on that one! You guys are great!

Hamilton was their 45" studio model, although some of the fancy cases may have been slightly shorter, and had separate serial numbers. There were two large Baldwin verticals, the 52" 6000 and the 48" 248, which were numbered differently. Everything else was numbered with the Acrosonics, and towards the end, they had Baldwin on the fallboard. Very early there were some Baldwin verticals, but they were phased out by the Depression.

In the early days, there were a number of labels controlled by Baldwin, including Hamilton and Howard. Baldwin was their top line, Hamilton was a distant second, and everything else was behind them. The others included Monarch, Ellington, Valley Gem and some others. Those names were occasionally revived. Howard was used for some really low-quality spinets, and also for some pretty good grands sourced by Kawai and later Samick.

YIkes--Now I am a bit confused again, LOL! When you say "early days" do you mean in the pre-depression era? Let me see if I understand this correctly: For a Baldwin piano about 30 years old or newer, would the Hamilton be their best 45", the Baldwin 6000 the top of the line for their 52", and the Baldwin 248 the top of the line for their 48"? I just want to make sure, since if I invest in a used Baldwin I only want to get their top-of-the line piano.
Was there ever a time period that Baldwin's overall quality suffered and you would avoid any of their verticals from that period? Thanks so much.

There were periods in time that the quality control and consistency suffered, but not overall build quality. The inconsistencies could be fixed by piano technicians. However I am not sure when these periods were.

I think prior to the Baldwin United bankruptcy,(Baldwin's parent company)quality was consistently fairly good. After the bankruptcy, there was a leverage buyout, where Baldwin piano executives bought Baldwin Piano and Organ. Here is where the quality got a bit iffy. That was 1984. Cost cutting measures were introduced which included the making of piano actions in Mexico free trade zone. Actions for some vertical pianos, and some smaller artist grands (M,R, and L) were made in Mexico. Quality control, especially in the area of proper drying or seasoning of parts was sometimes lacking, and Vertical hammer flanges for the 6000 and 243 models would and still do warp in different directions from dry season to humid season. Loose action screws would and still do cause clicks in some models. Hammer and catcher gluing was sometimes inadequate. Parts would come loose, or simply click even though appearing tight. Corfam on Hammer butts sometimes made noise. Rubber capstan donuts sometimes got prematurely hard and clicked. The glue used on hammer felt/moldings and bridge caps sometimes comes loose in extremely humid conditions. Some of the 6000 and 243 models suffered from slow repetition. The operative word here is "sometimes". Often, the quality was fine, and sometimes it was very good!

When everything fell into place, a Baldwin instrument from that time period was and is excellent. Many manufacturing shortfalls can and have been technician corrected.


If you find a good Baldwin - and there are plenty out there, you have a great instrument!

Baldwin went through bankruptcy at least a couple of times. However, quality had its ups and downs several times. There was also problems with supplies which affected them, as well as other manufacturers. When leather was difficult to get, for instance, Baldwin tried a substitute that did not work well.

Your best bet is to consider the individual instrument with someone who is experienced enough to know what to look for.

Here is a link to Baldwin's history:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Piano_Company

Thanks so very much! I am going to print all this info out and take it with me!