The Altenburg history started in 1845 when Frederick Ernst Altenburg built the first Altenburg piano completely by hand. By 1847, Frederick established his business in Erfurt, Germany. He was an innovative and a dedicated manufacturer, always striving to improve the quality of his instruments.
His son, Frederick K. Altenburg emigrated to America in 1855 bringing his family to New York City. He and his sons opened a small factory in the Bowery and as the piano business flourished, they opened two retail outlets in the city. The Altenburg family were pioneers in the construction of upright pianos which gradually replaced the old square pianos of that era.
An award for the Altenburg piano was given to Altenburg Piano House at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876. This crowned a lifetime of achievement in improving the tone and structure of their pianos.
By 1908 the factory was moved along with the retail store to Elizabeth, New Jersey. Gustav and Otto C. Altenburg managed this venture while two brothers chose to stay in New York City.
Altenburg Pianos are now jointly distributed by Altenburg Piano Company and the Wyman Piano Company; who have partnered with the most respected piano manufacturer in China which has built high quality pianos since 1949 blending old world workmanship with state-of-the-art manufacturing for superior durability, tonal quality and affordable pricing.