International pianist Alberto Reyes test played the complete range of Schimmel pianos at Peregrine’s Pianos for journalist Claire Jackson. This is from her article “Speaking volumes” which subsequently appeared in the Pianist Magazine.

The Fridolin-Schimmel is an entry-level piano, fully designed by Schimmel (including the action) and made in China. There are currently three models in the series – F116, F121 and F123.

‘It has an even action’, says Reyes, as Scarlatti fills the Gray’s Inn Road showroom. ‘Upright pianos obviously have a much shallower action, but this is a very manageable piano. Sometimes there can be problems with repetitions in these pianos as the response is not as sensitive as in a grand. The tone is very agreeable.’ It certainly sounds convincing particularly when played by a pianist of Reyes’ calibre. But would he really want to work on this piano? ‘A professional looks for an even action, not excessively light; in that respect, this piano is suitable for some high-level practice’ he says. ‘However, from an artist point of view, you would want a sound with a broader range.’

It is unlikely a that a concert pianist would be in the market for this particular type of piano, but for a beginner – or even a serious, intermediate player – the sound is attractive. It naturally lacks some complexity in the lower registers yet is still nicely resonant.

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