A day with premium Kayserburg pianos

Stephan Mohler works in Guangzhou (China) at "Pearl River", the largest piano manufacturing company in the world. The master piano maker manages the production of the company's own high-end brand "Kayserburg-Artist Series". He helps to develop the premium instruments, has been perfecting them with passion for eleven years and knows them down to the last detail. At "Kayserburg", Swiss piano making and craftsmanship come together with the largest and most modern factory in the piano industry worldwide. Now Mohler is coming back to Switzerland exclusively for a visit to the "Musikladen Bern" and sharing his knowledge with interested piano lovers, pianists and piano makers.

How did the Swiss pianist's career come about? How can an instrument help a pianist to develop optimally? And what does Stephan Mohler think about the fact that his instruments are now also being sold in Switzerland?
 

Photo: zVg

Stephan Mohler in Guangzhou at Pearl River

Mr. Mohler, you have been a piano maker for over 45 years and have had a remarkable career. Where did you work before and how did you get your job at Pearl River in China?
I started out as a carpenter at the Stadttheater Basel. This was followed by six years as a tuner in the specialist trade and then ten years as operations manager at C. Bechstein in Berlin. Finally, I worked for sixteen years in the international concert department of a renowned music store in Bern.

Pearl River and I came together in many small steps. We met at music trade fairs, got talking, and one day Pearl River asked me if I would like to start the "KA" project with them, the artist series of the "Kayserburg" (KAX) brand. This was a unique professional opportunity. It wasn't about refining cheap goods, but about making something good from scratch. I was excited by the idea and was therefore delighted to accept.

Is there something typically Swiss about the design of the "Kayserburg" upright and grand pianos?
The construction concept of the piano went through a long development until it was perfected in the century before last. An instrument must sound good, play well and blend in very well with the home where it is usually placed. The Swiss aspect of our design is the precision that is evident in the structure. In addition, the external shape of the instruments was designed in such a way that a "bulky" piece of furniture like a piano can appear as light as possible and blend harmoniously into the room. I will be explaining all this in detail on December 11 at the "Piano Day" of the Musikladen Bern.

Since fall 2021, "Kayserburg" pianos have also been sold in Switzerland. The first upright and grand pianos are available to try out in the Musikladen Bern. Are you excited about this premiere?
Up to this point in the presentation, we have gathered ten years of experience and trained the KAX team. The KAX has been a great success in China and the USA for some time now, and I hope that Swiss pianists will also be fascinated by its sound and playing style. I am looking forward to these moments. I am also looking forward to the reactions that I will be able to witness in person on December 11. It's always exciting for me when people who are interested in pianos try out the KAX models I helped design for the first time.

How do you achieve noticeable and audible results in the quality of a premium piano?
A premium piano has a very dynamic and balanced sound. The pianists can create many "colors" with the precise playing style. That's what good music is all about.
In addition, a good instrument is sturdily built and provides good tuning stability. The repeated and highly precise regulation in the factory is clearly noticeable and encourages practicing. The PR2.0 hammerhead with Wurzen AAA felt, for example, has been specially developed for our instruments. Its timbre is very special and the intonation is stable for a very long time. These details will also be presented in detail at the event in the Musikladen Bern.

How could interested pianists, piano lovers and piano makers benefit from tips and background information from you?
At the event on December 11, I will be presenting the new instruments with all their special features. I will also be giving a presentation on the world's largest piano factory from my perspective. The most important thing is that the instruments can be played and compared, from the KAX1 to the KA180 grand piano. I look forward to answering questions, getting to know people and explaining many details in detail.
 

Photo: zVg

Stephan Mohler