Chris Maene

The Chris Maene grand piano arose from decades of piano manufacturing experience. Chris Maene (1953) learned the craft of instrument making in the piano workshop of his parents in Ruiselede (Belgium), established in 1938. From early on he pursued his passion for instrument making and built his first instrument at the age of 16. He has been avidly building, restoring and collecting valuable instruments ever since. Currently he has collected over 300 unique pianos and fortepianos with a specific interest in concert grand models. They are often rare pieces and many of them are restored for concerts and CD recordings.

He has earned respect with the creation of many challenging and prestigious replica’s: the Steinway N°1 “Kitchen” fortepiano from 1836 (2006),  the Ignaz Pleyel concert grand from 1843 (2010), the fortepiano specially made by John Broadwood in 1817 for Ludwig van Beethoven (2013), and many more.

Since 2004, the two sons of Chris Maene (Dominique and Frederic) are actively working in the workshop. They learned the craft from their father, ensuring the continuity and future of the company and factory.

The extensive knowledge of historic instruments, combined with an equally comprehensive knowledge in modern instruments, and a workshop with more than 10 craftsmen – each with their own specialty, is truly unique in the world.