Carstairs Pianos: A Brief History

1945

Having trained as a tuner/ technician in both the Brasted and Chappell piano factories, Alec Carstairs established Carstairs Pianos in a small workshop in the village of Bridge just outside Canterbury. The business offered a tuning and piano reconditioning service for the East Kent area.

Click here to veiw images of the Brasted piano factory from around 1930.

1954

Mike Stockbridge is employed by Alec Carstairs. Here Mike learns the skills involved in piano restoration. It is also through Alec Carstairs that Mike is trained as a tuner/technician at Welmar Pianos, and Bluthner Pianos Ltd in London.

1967

Mike Stockbridge purchases the business from Alec Carstairs upon his retirement.

1984

Carstairs Pianos moves to a purpose built workshop/showroom close to the main shopping area of Canterbury. Here major reconditioning work can be undertaken whilst still having a large separate showroom space with room for about 25 pianos.

1992

Mike’s son James, who also trained as a tuner/technician for five years with Welmar Pianos joins Carstairs Pianos.

2000

Carstairs Pianos celebrates its 55th anniversary. Offering: tuning, reconditioning, new and reconditioned pianos for sale, rental and hire.

Back to Carstairs Pianos Home Page.

Contact information.

Address; 1A Roper Road, Canterbury, Kent. CT2 7EH.

Telephone: 01227 766059.

Open Monday to Friday 2pm - 5:30pm, Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm & Saturday 9:30am - 4pm

E-mail; info@carstairs-pianos.co.uk