Visit by informal appointment Mon-Fri 10am-4pm | Sat 10am-2pm

Excellence Since 1981

Chris Venables began his career as a tuner-technician over 30 years ago. Within the first year he opened his first piano showroom and soon became well-known for his progressive approach to piano retailing.

View milestones in the growth of Venables Pianos and note the appointments, publications, reviews and awards received.

1981

Company established for Piano Restoration, Sales and Tuning.

1984

Chris Venables ‘Hand Finished’ range of uprights launched.

Featured on BBC Radio 4 ‘Today’ programme.

1985

Top Dealer Award, Feurich Pianos, Germany.

1st edition of the Good Piano Guide published.

1986

Received licence to hand finish John Broadwood upright pianos.

1988

Classical Music Magazine: “Chris Venables is an ambassador for new instruments… His success is due to… an incurable passion for pianos.”

1990

Published The Piano Test, 25 Grands and 40 uprights tested by select team of teachers & technicians.

1991

Piano Tuners Quarterly: (re: The Good Piano Guide) “The Guide looks good and is informative and eminently believable – Mr Venables has done a thorough job of investigation.”

1992

Yamaha Grand Piano Centre opened.

Supplied to Birmingham Symphony Hall – 15 new pianos including Steinway, Yamaha and Welmar.

1995-96

Yamaha Top Dealer Awards – Acoustic Division.

1996

Supplied to Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester – 56 new pianos.

1996-97

Yamaha Top Dealer Awards – Acoustic Division.

1997

Acquired new freehold showrooms in Ringwood, Hampshire.

Appointed ‘GranTouch’ and ‘Clavinova’ Dealership.

1997-98

Yamaha Top Dealer Awards – Acoustic Division.

2000

Launched the Good Piano Guide online – www.chrisvenables.co.uk

2001

20th Anniversary.

Yamaha Top Dealer Awards – Acoustic Division.

2002

Supplied 57 new instruments to new school project in Caerphilly.

2002-2003

Yamaha Top Dealer Awards – Acoustic Division.

2003

Appointed Official Yamaha S Series ‘Hand Crafted’ Stockist.

Premier UK dealership for Wendl & Lung Pianos.

2004

Supplied new Yamaha upright and grand pianos to loyal and prestigious institutional clients Winchester College, for their brand new music school.

An ‘unheard of’ 85% increase in new Yamaha acoustic piano sales in just 1 year positions Chris Venables Pianos as the No. 1 UK Yamaha piano dealer.

2009

“Venables & Son” line of upright and grand pianos officially launched. Crafted to our specification to produce a unique ’rounded’ tonal character. Precision built by the most modern, efficient piano factory in the World with ISO9001:200 Certification.

2012

CF Series Yamaha Premium concert series of grand pianos launched at our newly extended piano showroom. A dedicated floor to display high end grand pianos exceeding 6’3″ in length, including the Yamaha CF4 and CF6 grand pianos. Celebrity recital and masterclass event held with Artur Pizarro. The first time both the CF4 and CF6 are together in the UK!

2013

Appointed an official main dealer for Petrof Pianos. A broad range of new Petrof upright and grand pianos to be displayed at our Hampshire piano showrooms. Petrof are a traditional piano maker, handcrafting pianos since 1864. Based in the Czech Republic, Petrof are a true European piano maker and are one of few European makers to use exclusively European materials. Perhaps just a few screws may be sources from outside Europe – but that’s all! Excellent classic “Romantic” tone.

     Excellent  
     Based on 21 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
         Mark M 
 2023-08-24
 
 
  I didn’t buy a piano at the time because my plans have been uncertain for a while and it looks like I have to relocate soon but Chris was so attentive and accommodating that I plan to buy from him as soon as I am in a position to. Top notch service and expertise. Preparation is absolutely immaculate and to your taste if you choose to ask for it. Legendary attention to detail if you are buying - what else do you need to know?
  
 
        Ian Howlett 
 2023-08-04
 
 
  I bought a Yamaha YUS5 upright in 2013, and ten years on it’s still going strong, and is playing better than ever, with the tone developing nicely. The service I received at the time was fantastic, including having the showroom to myself to evaluate the pianos. The piano was set up perfectly, which probably helps to explain why I’ve had ten years of trouble-free enjoyment of an excellent instrument. Highly recommended.
  
 
        Aris CHAN 
 2023-05-04
 
 
  I've a piano finish speaker sent to Venables Pianos seeking for their help to repair it. They finished in two weeks and the damaged corners are like new now. Really professional and responsible.
  
 
        Nathan Sealy 
 2023-04-07
 
 
  Superb personal service. Couldn't recommend them more.
  
 
        Leon Ashman 
 2022-02-15
 
 
  Friendly Family business.
  
 
        Linda Bitvus 
 2019-10-04
 
 
  I have just purchased a Venables baby grand piano and am absolutely delighted with the service I have received.In the showroom I was allowed  to play all the pianos freely and was given lots of helpful advice. The delivery was excellent and I am  a very happy customer.Thank you very much.
  
 
        Andrew B 
 2019-09-24
 
 
  I purchased a Yamaha B3 silent from here 6 years ago and it is still a fantastic instrument. The customer service, help and advice given by Will and the team was exceptional.