Albert Krell, Sr.
1833-1900 · German (emigrated to America)
Biography
Albert Krell, Sr. was born at Gelbra, Germany, on September 10, 1833, into a family of musical-instrument makers. He emigrated to America in 1848 and settled at Cincinnati in 1849. An expert violin builder, he began business at age 16 in a small rented shop behind a drug store, establishing a reputation for repairing old violins and building roughly 300 new instruments over his career, sold at prices from $150 to $300 each. In 1889, together with his sons Albert and Alexander, who had studied piano making with George Steck, he started a piano factory under the name of the Krell Piano Company. His son Alexander died in 1895, and Albert Krell, Sr. himself died in 1900.
Highlights
- Born at Gelbra, Germany, Sept. 10, 1833, into a family of musical-instrument makers; emigrated to America in 1848, settling in Cincinnati in 1849
- Built roughly 300 violins over his career, sold for $150 to $300 apiece, and earned a reputation repairing old violins
- In 1889, with sons Albert and Alexander, founded the Krell Piano Company; died in 1900
Source
Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), p. 357.
Public domain.