Although Dietmann is not as well known as Otto Bach, South African Otto Bach pianos were manufactured in the Dietmann factory. Dietmann pianos are of a better quality than Otto Bach and some – like this example – are of top quality.
This piano has been painted a ‘bath’ blue (a lovely light blue) over a beige-grey, the top coat has been very subtly distressed to reveal the undercoat. It has a remarkable presence. This is a premier quality piano with a heavier touch, well suited to a more experienced player.
The piano has a richer, but bright, tone, 88 keys – with a heavier touch – and 2 pedals. The dimensions of this piano are a height of 117 cm, width of 144.5 cm and a depth of 58 cm.
The JAE 423 Dietmann Upright Pianoforte with stool is currently hired out.
The bath blue finish could be likened to Charles Dicken’s description of the good-natured and easy-going Joe Gargery in Great Expectations,
“with eyes of such a very undecided blue that they seemed to have somehow got mixed with their own whites.”
Some pianos have a better journey than others. As battered as the casing of this piano was, its internal quality validated that it needed to be valued.