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I found an Everett upright piano on Craigslist for $800.00. It looks like a studio upright, and the description suggested that it was only used for piano lessons. Since it appears comparable to many I have been interested in (Kawai and Yamaha), I feel like I should ask, does Everett make a good piano? Where are they from?

Thanks for any input!

Les

Everett was an American maker, which was bought by Yamaha. I think some later ones were imported. The 45" studio model was a pretty good piano. As with all used pianos, condition is important. If you like it, you should have a tech check it out for you.

Everett made mid-line quality and performance pianos akin to Wurlitzer and Kimball. Factory in South Haven, Michigan. Yes, bought by Yamaha 1973 who ran it until 1986.

"Only used for piano lessons."
"Only driven to church on Sundays"

Many of their 45" studios made it into school use. Have it checked out. $800 seems low, but if the piano is trashed after 30+ years of institutional use, it won't be worth that.
Get it checked out before you take the plunge.

Thanks everyone! I thought $800 seemed low too. I thought the wording was alittle strange when it said they were selling it because they had outgrown it for piano lessons. I might be passing this one up though because the piano is about 8 hours from my house and it would be alot of trouble to get to. In any event, I'll keep you guys informed on how things go. I'm tired of using a Kurzweil K2600X as a piano!!!

You are in the DFW area and there should be many better pianos available within an hour or two from Denton.

It could be a great piano for $800. Make sure it is the 45" model, though. The smaller model was a spinet, and not nearly so good.

Les,

I was happy to see this thread about Everett pianos. I have a 54" Everett upright that just turned 100 in 2007. It was built in 1907 in Boston. My mother got it when she was 8 years old and the piano was 25. I had it restored in 2004 and installed a climate control system in it. It has a beautiful sound.

I emailed Yamaha about my piano and they sent me a piece written especially for the piano called, The Everett Piano March by Herman Bellstedt 1894.

In November I'm having a 100th birthday party for my Everett inviting my piano tuner, my teacher and her piano teacher and my 2 sisters. We all will be preparing pieces to play for the occasion.

I'll bet most of you did not know that Everett made at least one 9' concert grand. It is still in use in the 'Scott Club' in South Haven, Michigan. I have played it a few times and was impressed. They have it in quite a small room and it tends to over power it but it's fun to play.

My Dad who worked here at Everett in South Haven said it was a prototype but I don't know for certain that's true.

Anyway, a little piece of trivia.

EVERY elementary classroom used to have an Everett School piano here and many of them are still in use in the schools and peoples homes. Quite nice pianos.

Well, I found what looks like the same piano (45" upright) within 30 miles of me (in Arlington). Visually looks to be in good condition.
Here's the description:

"Everett upright piano for sale. Minimal wear on the keys. The bridge of the piano needs some work. This piano is located at a church in an upstairs room."

Is the fact that the bridge needing "some" work a deal breaker? They only want $200.00 for it.

Thanks!!!!!!

I liked hearing about the Everett piano. I use to be a district manager for them over 25 years ago. I worked for them for 1 year traveling over 17 states before I moved to Atlanta to open my own music store which unfortunately never happened.

The 9 foot must have indeed been a prototype as there had only been 1 size Everett grand to my knowledge.

The Everett was usually sold with Steinway and Hammond organ dealers. It fit a mid range point in their line.

When I was there, Everett made the 45 inch piano in 3 cabinet styles. Schools and churches usually chose Baldwin or Everett at that time. Yamaha was still making in roads in the US. (That is why they bought Everett). Everett was owned my Yamaha when I worked there. We would make pianos in lots of 100. All the pianos in the lot would be the identical case. At the time we made about 50% Everett, 50% Yamaha. The factory and management (still American management) had a folksy way of thinking. Although I have not been in the business for over 25 years, I don't think that exist anymore. A bygone era. and I am only 56.

pianobear100

The people at the Scott Club tell me Everett donated the 9' piano to them and they still have it today and are proud of it, it has a place of honour in their building.

It is indeed a bygone era. I had many relatives and friends who worked with pride at Everett for many years. they were proud of their products.

My Dad was a chipper then a tuner, my uncle finished benches and my Grandfather was a shipping clerk.

Last year they tore the plant down and are preparing to build apartment buildings there soon. A sad sight.