Maker reference
Forster, August Pianos
History, relative rating, UK availability and examples handled by Roberts Pianos Oxford.
Guide rating
55-75
Photo Gallery
At a glance
Forster, August facts
Make: Forster, August
Made in: est 1859 Lobau, Germany
Made by: Forster
Rating: 55-75. During Iron Curtain phase (1945 1991) 55-60.
Estimated Number In UK: 4000
Year and serial number:
1898 10000
1917 40000
1929 60000
1952 102000
1980 154000
1995 162000
Comments
August Forster Pianos are generally good. The best older and very modern ones are excellent. They made a fair number of grand and upright pianos during the Iron Curtain phase (1945 - 1991); the actions of these tend to be inferior and sometimes heavy. Pre 1930 uprights are tall and are fine pianos when restored. (updated 2026)
Compare nearby ratings
Higher rated
- Waldstein (China) - 45-58
- Russel (and Russell) (London, UK) - 45-58
- Moore and Moore (Stoke Newington, UK) - 50-58
Slightly lower rated
- Archibald Ramsden (London, UK) - 42-52
- Bord (Paris, France) - 45-52
- Amyl (London, UK) - 40-50