A Rare Opportunity: Performance Over Perfection

We are pleased to present this Kemble Oxford (Serial No. 293868), manufactured in the renowned Milton Keynes factory during the peak of the Kemble-Yamaha partnership. The Oxford was the "premium sibling" to the popular Kemble Cambridge, featuring a slightly taller cabinet and a more sophisticated scale design that provides a richer, deeper tonal resonance.

This instrument represents a unique proposition for the pragmatic musician. It is, quite simply, an exceptional piano to play, but it carries some cosmetic scars. As seen in the accompanying photos, there is a veneer issue stretching across the lid, along with other age-related marks on the satin mahogany finish.

Sustainability & Value: A Musician’s Bargain

At Millers, we are committed to the sustainability of acoustic instruments. While the cosmetic damage is significant enough that a professional French polish or re-veneer wouldn't be financially viable for resale, the piano itself is in excellent mechanical health. To dispose of an instrument that plays this beautifully would be a tragedy.

Consequently, we are offering this Kemble Oxford at a significantly reduced price, or as a high-performance option for our Rental Scheme. It is the perfect solution for:

• The Serious Student: Who needs a professional-grade touch and tone for practice but is working within a strict budget.

• The Practical Household: Where a piano might be subject to the rigors of a busy family life (pets, children, or high-traffic areas) and perfect cabinetry is not the priority.

• The Recording Studio: Where the "soul" and sound of the instrument are everything, but the exterior aesthetics remain off-camera.

The Kemble-Yamaha Pedigree

Despite the exterior wear, the internal "musical assembly" is pure quality. Produced around 1999-2000, this piano was built when Yamaha’s quality control was at its most rigorous in the UK factory. As you'll see from the photos, we have removed the action and keys, checked, and cleaned everything to prepare for sale.

• The "Cambridge" Connection: Much like the Cambridge model, the Oxford utilises high-precision Yamaha-designed action components, giving it a reliable, crisp, and predictable touch that is ideal for developing advanced technique.

• European Voice: The Oxford is famous for its warm, lyrical European "singing" tone. It avoids the brightness of some Japanese alternatives, offering a mellow and sophisticated sound that is particularly well-suited to classical and jazz repertoire.

• Solid Musical Foundations: The structural integrity of the back posts and soundboard remains fully intact. The cosmetic issues are strictly "skin deep" and have zero impact on the tuning stability, mechanical response, or tonal output of the instrument.

Design & Aesthetic: Satin Mahogany

In its original state, the Satin Mahogany finish offered a soft, organic warmth. While the lid and portions of the cabinetry show their age, the natural grain of the wood still provides a classic look. The Oxford features the "Modern" style cabinet (without front legs), giving it a sleek, compact silhouette that fits into smaller spaces despite its impressive sound.

If you can look past the surface, you will find a most rewarding and musical upright. This is a rare chance to own a premium British-built piano for a fraction of its market value.