Kemble Classic

This Kemble Classic is a compact 108cm British upright piano in a warm teak cabinet, built by the last great volume piano maker in Britain. Kemble was founded in London in 1911 and produced instruments in this country for close to a century, latterly in partnership with Yamaha, whose action engineering found its way into a British-made cabinet. That combination is why used Kembles remain one of the most sought after choices in their price bracket.

The cabinet measures 131cm wide and just 48cm deep, with the clean, unfussy lines of mid-century British furniture design. The teak finish is a welcome change from the black polyester that dominates the used market, and it makes the piano sit far more quietly in a room than its footprint suggests. This instrument has been assessed and prepared by our team at The Piano Gallery.

Available to purchase online or to try in person at our Oxfordshire showroom. Contact us to arrange a viewing or to discuss delivery and part-exchange options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kemble pianos a good make?

Kemble is widely regarded as the finest British piano maker of the modern era. The company built in London and later Bletchley from 1911 until the end of UK production, and its instruments earned a reputation for an even, dependable action and a warm tone. Used Kembles hold their appeal because they pair British cabinetmaking with proven action design, which is an unusual combination at this level of the market.

Does the teak cabinet change how the piano sounds?

No. The finish on the outside of the case makes no meaningful difference to the tone, which comes from the soundboard, strings, and action inside. What the teak changes is how the piano looks and feels in a room. Wood-cased uprights read as furniture rather than as equipment, which is why they suit sitting rooms, and mid-century teak examples like this one have become considerably harder to find than black polyester.

Is a 108cm upright tall enough for a learner?

Yes, comfortably. A compact upright has shorter strings and a smaller soundboard than a full-sized instrument, so the bass carries less weight, but the touch and control are the genuine acoustic experience that a keyboard cannot replicate. That is what develops proper technique. Most players only begin wanting a taller piano once they are working on advanced repertoire, and part-exchange is straightforward when that day arrives.

Were Kemble pianos actually made in Britain?

They were, which is increasingly rare. Kemble was the last major manufacturer building pianos in the UK, and the factory continued production until 2009. A Kemble is a genuinely British-built instrument rather than an imported piano carrying a British name, which is worth knowing given how many old English brand names are now applied to pianos made elsewhere.

What space does it need, and how often should it be tuned?

Allow around 1.3 metres of wall for the 131cm cabinet, plus room in front for the stool and player. The 48cm depth is shallow enough to suit a hallway or a room where floor space is tight. Keep it away from radiators, external walls, and damp, and tune it twice a year in normal use. Expect one extra tuning shortly after delivery, once it has settled into your home.