Albert Krell
born September 6, 1859 · American (born Cincinnati)
Biography
Albert Krell was born in Cincinnati on September 6, 1859. He learned violin-making from his famous father but devoted the last twenty-five years (as of writing) to piano and player-piano development. As early as 1899 he exhibited in New York an electric piano operated by batteries and magnets placed under the keys. He later associated with inventor Peter Welin, obtaining several patents for player-mechanism improvements and incorporating many of Welin's inventions into the Krell player piano. As president of the Krell Piano Company -- capitalized at $550,000 and controlling twenty-eight U.S. patents, some considered fundamental -- he oversaw one of the largest piano factories in the Middle West, alongside vice-president/treasurer Edwin B. Pfau. The Krell piano, and its 'Royal' piano and player-piano trademark, held a place among high-grade instruments.
Highlights
- One of the pioneers in the development of the player piano; exhibited an electric player piano operated by battery-driven magnets in New York as early as 1899
- Associated with inventor Peter Welin, obtaining patents for player-mechanism improvements
- President of the Krell Piano Company, capitalized at $550,000, controlling twenty-eight U.S. patents on piano-player improvements
Source
Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. II (1913), pp. 127, 128.
Public domain.