Belarus Piano: Unmatched Quality And Performance

Belarus is a Belarusian manufacturer of upright pianos, founded in 1935 when the country was part of the Soviet Union. The pianos were popular due to their low cost, ease of detuning, and relatively impure sound. However, they have a reputation for being low quality and are infamous for not being able to hold a tune for long. In 2018, the company that produced the pianos was declared bankrupt, but it found new ownership in 2020 and has since delivered instruments to art schools and cultural centers.

The manufacturer of Belarus pianos was founded in 1935 in the Soviet Union

The manufacturer of Belarus pianos was founded in 1935 in what was then the Soviet Union, in the country of Belarus. The company, which was owned by the joint-stock company "Muzinstrument - Borisov", produced upright pianos under the brand names Belarus, Sängler & Söhne, Schubert, and Wieler.

During the communist era, Belarus pianos were the cheapest option available in Bulgaria, and they became a common instrument in many homes. They were also used in schools and institutions, such as kindergartens. However, their low cost came at the price of quality. One piano enthusiast commented that the "Belarus" name became synonymous with a "trash piano", and that they were consistently one of the worst pianos they had played. Another source mentions that older Russian uprights are generally low quality.

Despite their poor reputation, some people have expressed hope that the new Belarus pianos will reflect the quality craftsmanship available locally, especially since other ex-Soviet countries like Estonia and the Czech Republic are now producing wonderful instruments.

In 2018, the original company that produced Belarus pianos was declared bankrupt, and liquidation began in 2020. However, the company found new ownership in July of that year, and in 2019, the revived manufacturer delivered almost 50 grand pianos to art schools and cultural centers in the Mogilev region.

They are known for their low cost and were common in Bulgarian homes

The Belarusian manufacturer of upright pianos, Belarus, was founded in 1935 in what was then the Soviet Union. They are known for their low cost and were common in Bulgarian homes. In fact, the pianos were popular not only because of their affordability but also because they were easy to detune and didn't have a 'pure sound' compared to a Steinway piano.

The low cost of Belarus pianos was due in part to the relatively poor quality of the instruments. One user on a piano forum recalled how a piano salesman tried to sell them a Belarus piano with a "Massive Iron Perimeter Plate". However, upon playing the instrument, they found it to be the worst new piano they had ever played. Another user commented that older Russian uprights are generally low quality and thus not very valuable.

Despite the low quality, Belarus pianos can still be used for certain types of music. For example, the unique sound of a Belarus piano can be used in soundtracks, pop music, and experimental electronica. Additionally, some people choose to buy these pianos as a starter instrument for someone who wants to play a bit here and there, rather than for serious music study.

In terms of pricing, used Belarus pianos can be found for 100-300 USD in Belarus, while one user on Reddit mentioned seeing some reach 5000 AUD.

They are easy to detune and don't have a pure sound

The Belarus piano has been described as being easy to detune and not having a pure sound. This is especially true when compared to a Steinway piano. One user reported that their Belarus piano could not stay in tune for longer than 2-3 months, and that the B would quickly turn bad. The user also noted that the piano was kept in a dry environment, which may have contributed to the tuning issues.

Another user, who had worked in piano sales, recalled that Belarus pianos were infamous for their poor quality. They recalled trying to sell a Belarus piano with a "Massive Iron Perimeter Plate," but upon playing the instrument, they found that it was the worst new piano they had ever played.

The low quality of Belarus pianos is also reflected in their low cost. Due to their affordability, these pianos were common in most Bulgarian homes. Used variants are sold for 100-300 USD in Belarus, and one user reported seeing a Belarus piano sell for 5000 AUD.

Despite their poor quality, Belarus pianos can still be used in various musical contexts. For example, the unique upright piano sound of a Belarus piano can be used in soundtracks, pop music, and experimental electronica.

The company went bankrupt in 2018 but was revived in 2020

The Belarus piano manufacturer has a long history, founded in 1935 in what was then the Soviet Union. The company specialised in upright pianos, which were popular in Bulgarian homes due to their low cost. However, the pianos were also known for being easy to detune and not having a 'pure sound'.

Despite its longevity, the original company behind the Belarus piano brand faced financial difficulties and was declared bankrupt in 2018. At that point, the business was put into liquidation, and its future looked uncertain.

Fortunately, the story didn't end there. In 2020, the company found new ownership, and the brand was revived. The new owners quickly got production back up and running, delivering almost 50 grand pianos to art schools and cultural centres in the Mogilev region that year. The following year, in 2020, the Minsk factory produced 464 instruments, and the company received a government order to produce 2,500 instruments over five years.

While the new owners have successfully restarted production, it remains to be seen whether they can overcome the quality issues that plagued the previous company.

Belarus pianos are not considered to be high-quality

One piano enthusiast described a Belarus piano as the "worst new piano" they had ever played. They recalled how a salesman tried to sell them on the virtues of the piano, touting its "Massive Iron Perimeter Plate," but upon trying it out, they found the instrument to be of relatively poor quality. This sentiment is echoed by other owners, with some complaining about their pianos' inability to stay in tune for long and the quick deterioration of certain keys.

In terms of value, Belarus pianos are not considered high-end instruments. One source suggests that a Belarus piano is worth a few hundred dollars, while another places the price at around $5,000 AUD. It is worth noting that the age and condition of the piano can affect its value, and it is always recommended to have a technician inspect the instrument before purchase.

While Belarus pianos may not be sought-after by serious musicians or collectors, they can still have their uses. The unique sound of a Belarus piano, for example, can be utilised in certain genres of music, such as soundtracks, pop music, and experimental electronica. Ultimately, while Belarus pianos may not be of the highest quality, they can still bring enjoyment to those who play them casually or seek a particular sound.

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