Pianos for All
For over 50 years, Young Chang has been a leader in the piano industry and is one of the world’s largest piano manufacturers. The story of Young Chang starts in 1956 with three brothers from a prominent South Korean family: Jai-Young Kim, Jai-Chang Kim, and Jai-Sup Kim. Growing up, the brothers learned and worked in piano production. During this period of South Korea’s history, the country had emerged as a major economy and producer of high-quality goods. Although the piano market was well-established at this point, the brothers felt the time had come to embrace the challenge of disrupting the industry. With Young Chang, their goal was to create quality pianos as efficiently as possible to keep the prices reasonable and the instrument accessible to all. And that’s exactly what they did.
Tremendous Growth
Quickly, the company evolved into a major player in the industry, manufacturing high-quality pianos at affordable prices as promised. In 1964, the first Young Chang factory was built in Seoul. Over the next few decades, Young Chang grew its reputation as a major player, expanding into new markets across the world, including America, Canada, the EU, and China.
Young Chang Historical Timeline
For over 50 years, Young Chang has evolved into a leader in the piano industry and today is one of the world’s largest and most advanced piano manufacturers.
1990's
In 1995, Young Chang hired Joseph Pramberger, a former VP & head of manufacturing to revamp their pianos. He brought innovations still exclusive to the company, including using German materials such as Renner action parts. By the late 1990s, Young Chang was one of the top five multinational piano producers.
2000's
Young Chang’s aspirations and drive to innovate have fueled their continued growth and relevance in the 21st century. After the Hyundai Development Group acquired the company in 2006, they underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation of their major manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China. To innovate their pianos once again, Young Chang collaborated with another forward-thinking piano mind with experience working with premium brands: Delwin D. Fandrich. Fandrich incorporated innovative updates, such as a unique floating soundboard and a direct-coupled bass bridge for a fuller bass response.
PRESENT
Now, Young Chang is once again redesigning their pianos for today’s players with passion, artistry, and innovation. Their revamped line is using the finest materials and premium German parts to refine the beautiful and pure Young Chang & Weber sound.
Weber Piano History
The history of Weber, much like Young Chang’s, is a story of ingenuity, realized ambition, and unbridled passion for providing the world a premium piano.
The Weber Piano Company was founded by Albert Weber in 1852. Albert Weber was a musician who came to America as a teenager and became a skilled piano builder. Just like Young Chang, Weber pianos rapidly became a premium brand. Weber continued to be a piano pioneer, expanding and expanding throughout Manhattan in the mid-1800s. He also is considered the first to coin the term “Baby Grand” piano.
Talk of the Town
By the 1860s, his pianos were the talk of the town and the go-to of New York’s elite musicians. They appreciated Weber’s top-notch materials and incredible attention to detail. But Weber was far from a cult favorite–his pianos eventually took the world stage by storm, receiving medals at the World’s Fairs in Philadelphia, London, and Paris.
When his son took over the company, the pianos continued to make waves across the world. Weber pianos were favorites of celebrities, famous pianists, and even royalty. No number of mergers or owners throughout the 20th century could make a dent in Weber’s reputation as premium pianos. The company continued to produce some of the industry’s most celebrated pianos.
Young Chang to the Rescue
In 1986, Weber’s parent company sold the name to Young Chang. The two brands make a perfect pairing. Both value quality in all facets of piano production and manufacturing, and they honor their history by being forward-thinking and never resting on their laurels. Their pianos also complement each other, as Young Chang’s pianos were known for their bright tone and responsive action, while Weber is known for its mellow sound and heavy action.
Today, Weber continues to offer a wide range of high-quality pianos for players of all skill levels.
