Bentley

Colour: Satin teak

Bentley is one of the best known British piano names. The business was founded in London in 1906 by Douglas Grover, moved to Woodchester Mills near Stroud in 1911, and launched the Bentley name itself in 1930 on a new overstrung design that went on to sell in the thousands. At its height the Cotswold factory was turning out more than 3,000 pianos a year.

This is a compact upright of 104cm in satin teak, with the softly rounded cheeks and plain panels typical of the Woodchester-built Bentleys, two pedals and a full 88-note keyboard. Priced at £1,495, it has been assessed and prepared by our team at The Piano Gallery and would suit a learner or a family looking for a straightforward first piano.

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 all Bentley pianos British-made?

No, and this is the one thing to get right when buying one. Bentleys were built at Woodchester in Gloucestershire for most of the twentieth century, but the name was acquired by another company in 2003 and pianos carrying it since then have been made in China. They are different instruments with a shared badge. We can date this piano from its serial number and tell you exactly which era it belongs to.

Why does this piano have two pedals instead of three?

Two pedals was normal on British uprights of this size and period. You have the sustain pedal on the right and the soft pedal on the left, which together cover everything the graded syllabus asks for. The third pedal found on many modern and European uprights is usually a practice mute or a bass sustain, and neither is required repertoire.

Is a British piano a good buy compared with a Japanese one at this price?

At the lower end of the market it often is, because the money goes further. A sound British upright of this type has solid cabinet work and a straightforward action that any tuner can service. A Japanese piano at the same price will generally be older or smaller. The honest answer is that condition matters far more than nationality at this level, which is why we prepare and check everything before it goes on the floor.

Is this a suitable first piano for an adult beginner?

It is a good fit. An adult starting out wants a full-size keyboard, an action that responds honestly so that technique develops properly, and an instrument that will not be an expensive mistake if enthusiasm fades. This meets all three, and if you carry on and want something bigger in a few years we will take it in part-exchange.

What should I check when buying an older British upright?

Tuning pin tightness first, because a piano that will not hold a tuning is the one real deal-breaker, then the condition of the hammers, the evenness of the touch, and whether any notes are dead or sticking. Woodworm in the case and rust on the strings are worth a look too. All of that is exactly what our technicians assess before we list an instrument, and we are happy to talk you through what we found.