For generations, Kemble Pianos were a proud symbol of British piano craftsmanship - a household name synonymous with quality, affordability, and music-making in homes and schools across the UK. But as with many long-lived piano brands, not all Kemble instruments were created equal. Their history tells a story of innovation, change, and some difficult lessons learned along the way.
The Early Years of Kemble Pianos
Kemble Pianos was founded in 1911 by Michael Kemble in London, at a time when Britain’s piano industry was thriving. Throughout the mid-20th century, Kemble earned a solid reputation for producing dependable, well-built upright pianos that were both affordable and compact — perfect for the growing number of post-war British homes and classrooms.
By the 1960s, Kemble was one of the few remaining large-scale piano manufacturers in the UK, operating from a state-of-the-art factory in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire. Their instruments were widely respected for their reliability and accessible tone, making them a favourite among families and schools alike.
The Pre-Yamaha Era — and the 1970s Glue Problem
In the 1970s, however, some Kemble instruments — particularly those built during that decade — developed a reputation for a serious technical flaw.
During this time, Kemble (like several British manufacturers) experimented with synthetic glues that unfortunately proved unstable over time. The adhesive used in certain batches failed to withstand changes in humidity and temperature, leading to delamination of the bass bridges — the structural part of the soundboard that transmits string vibration.
This issue caused tuning instability and tonal weakness in the bass register, and as a result, many 1970s-era Kemble pianos are now beyond economical repair. Even for donation purposes, these pre-Yamaha instruments are often considered unsuitable. In some cases, charitable organisations or schools will not accept them because of the high likelihood of internal damage or tuning problems.
The Yamaha Partnership — Quality Rises Again
In 1986, Kemble entered into a manufacturing and distribution partnership with Yamaha, who sought to expand their European presence. The relationship quickly bore fruit: Yamaha introduced advanced quality control, precision woodworking, and improved materials — addressing the weaknesses that plagued some of the earlier Kemble pianos.
By 1988, Yamaha officially acquired a controlling stake in Kemble, transforming the Bletchley factory into one of Europe’s most modern piano production facilities.
Under Yamaha’s influence:
Designs were refined, improving tone consistency and durability.
Glue and timber quality met Japanese standards.
New hybrid Kemble–Yamaha models were introduced, combining British cabinet styling with Yamaha’s renowned soundboards and action technology.
The result? A generation of reliable, musical instruments that are still excellent value on the second-hand market today.
The End of UK Production — and the Move to Indonesia
Kemble continued producing pianos in the UK until October 2009, when Yamaha consolidated its manufacturing to Indonesia for efficiency. The closure of the Bletchley plant marked the end of nearly a century of British piano-making heritage.
However, Yamaha maintained Kemble as a sub-brand for the European market, and many later Kemble/Yamaha instruments continue to offer strong quality for their price. Instruments built between 1988 and 2009 remain sought-after for their warm tone and stable construction — especially models such as the Kemble Classic, Oxford, and Cambridge uprights.
Suitability for Sale, Part-Exchange, or Donation
When evaluating a Kemble piano today, it’s crucial to know which era it belongs to:
| Era | Years | Typical Characteristics | Market Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Yamaha | Before 1986 | Solidly built, but risk of 1970s bass-bridge glue failure | Often unsuitable for resale or donation |
| Yamaha Partnership | 1986–1988 | Transitional models with improved design and reliability | Suitable for part-exchange or donation if maintained |
| Yamaha Ownership (UK-built) | 1988–2009 | Excellent reliability, consistent tone and build | Ideal for resale, part-exchange, or donation |
| Post-2009 (Indonesia-built) | 2009–present | Yamaha-level consistency, good modern student pianos | Widely accepted for resale and donation |
Summary: What to Do with a Kemble Piano
Pre-Yamaha instruments (especially 1970s)
May have structural glue issues and are rarely accepted by charities or schools. These are often best recycled responsibly rather than donated.Yamaha-era (1988–2009) instruments
Highly suitable for part-exchange, resale, or donation — particularly if they have been regularly serviced and maintained.Later Indonesian-built models
Still offer reliable performance and good resale value for beginner and intermediate pianists.
Final Thoughts
The Kemble story mirrors the wider history of piano manufacturing in Britain: innovation, craftsmanship, challenges, and adaptation. While some vintage Kembles are now sadly past their playing prime, the Yamaha-era instruments stand proudly among the best uprights of their generation — a fitting tribute to over 90 years of British piano-making heritage.