Julius Bluthner was born in Falkenhain, Germany in 1824. Like many piano-makers he started his career as a cabinet-maker. In 1853, after training as an apprentice with Holling & Spangenburg in Zeitz, he set up on his own to build grand pianos.
After successfully exhibiting his pianos at the Industrial Exhibition in 1854, Julius had his pianos accepted by the Leipzig Conservatory of Music. Such was the quality of his instruments that demand increased from all over the world.
Growth continued and by 1864 there were 137 workers on the payroll. He developed the `Aliquot’ system of stringing which involved a (non-struck) fourth string to notes in the treble sections. The idea was to create a sympathetic vibrating string that would enhance the tone.
In our view the Aliquot system was a novel idea, but did not noticeably add to the already fine tone of their trichord-strung instruments.
Most of his earlier grands were built with the well-known and unique “Blüthner patent” action. Demand continued to grow for Blüthner’s grands and by 1900 he became the second largest manufacturer in Europe, building uprights as well. His overdamper actions were regarded as being the finest of all time.
By 1914 the `patent’ action was regarded as less desirable than the more modern roller actions, and by 1919 Blüthner stopped making grands with the `patent’ action altogether.
In 1910 Julius died, and his sons Max, Robert & Bruno took over the running of the business, though demand was by then in decline.
During W.W.II the factory was completely destroyed, but the company was encouraged by the East German government to resume production, and for a time shared many of its facilities with C Bechstein before opening new factories back in Leipzig, from where Blüthner produce fine instruments today.
