Fridolin F116 Upright Piano

Product Overview

Schimmel’s “entry-level” Fridolin instruments aren’t really an entry-level piano at all but are actually a professional instrument meant to compete in the mid-market. Like the Polish-made Wilhelm Schimmel upright and grand pianos, the Fridolin’s are regarded as a consummate instrument of value in their respective classes.

Part of the brand family of Schimmel, the Fridolin’s are designed in Braunschweig Germany and assembled in China at the Pearl River facility to highly defined processes. There are three models in the line; the Fridolin F121 and F123 are the larger two, while the F116 is the smallest.

Despite the F116’s low height, the sound power of this instrument is nothing short of surprising for a small upright as it matches many larger pianos, embodying the unique soul of a German piano.

Add in Schimmel’s continuous quality promise, and you’ve got a very compelling option from this legendary piano company known for its quality craftsmanship.

Action

Following original Schimmel construction methods, the F116’s action is built in China with a technical design from Germany.

Fridolin Schimmel pianos apply many of the same principles of piano-making from their German counterparts, resulting in an action that’s fluid with good control. The experience of Schimmel’s technical staff who oversee the action assembly is instrumental in making sure this action will satisfy even advanced piano players.

Tone

As a piano maker, Schimmel has traditionally be known for a brighter tonal profile with a fast attack. While the new Konzert series instruments differ, the Classic series still boast a bright tonal profile, as do the Fridolin Schimmel’s.

German Rosslau strings ensure a clear tone void of distortion, as does a white spruce soundboard (more on that below.) The European tone makes the F116 an increasingly popular option in both Canada and the United States.

Hammers

German hammers, cold-pressed are what you’ll see in the F116, ensure a fast, clear attack.

Soundboard

The soundboard is crucial for piano manufacturing, and with Schimmel’s 130 years of excellence in piano building, they know this as well as anyone. That’s why they exclusively select Triple AAA European white spruce for the soundboards in the F116.

Cabinet

A highly durable instrument, the F116 boasts the classic Schimmel Cabinet design. With numerous design awards to their name, Red Dot award, and Good Design award to name a few (plus a German design award nomination), the F116 continues this legacy with a gorgeous cabinet.