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 30 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Elizabeth Williams 
 
 
 
  I’ve been a loyal customer of Venables Pianos for eight years, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. I started with a beautiful Yamaha upright, and thanks to their fantastic trade-in policy, I’ve been able to upgrade over time as my piano playing improved. They’ve taken my previous pianos back each time, making the whole process smooth. Now I’m enjoying playing a beautiful 6 ft Yamaha CX3. Will and his team are always so helpful, the customer service is top-notch, and both Will and his father, Chris, make every experience a delight. Thank you Will and Chris for all your help over the years.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Elizabeth Bilney 
 
 
 
  I purchased a Yamaha Disklavier and am over the moon! It was super easy to buy online and Will was so accommodating with its delivery. I cannot thank Venables enough. Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    kevin barton 
 
 
 
  A pleasure to work with
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Trevor Newman 
 
 
 
  Absolutely brilliant advice and service. Extremely knowledgeable and s great selection Moved to an apartment where my 50 year old “Upright” would not fit and bought an electric piano with the sound of a grand piano.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Remi Damiani 
 
 
 
  Highly recommend Will at Venables without hesitation! I visited three showrooms across three counties, and whilst the others were good, Will stood head and shoulders above the rest. Professional, friendly, and informative service without any pushiness. Great range of beautiful pianos and competitively priced. Absolute first class!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Jonny B 
 
 
 
  I purchased my first piano from Venables back in 2006 - a Yamaha P121 upright, and having just upgraded to a Venables own Academy 180 Grand, I am please to say the experience of buying through them is still every bit as good as it was the first time round. Not only is Will in a league of his own when it comes to piano advice (both playing and tech knowhow) - his all round customer service is first class.

And as for the Academy 180 piano itself - what an instrument! Better than any piano I tried at twice the price, and I still can't quite believe how they produce such a quality piano at that price point.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Riley Phillips 
 
 
 
  I bought a Yamaha piano 6 months ago and since then I have received incredible customer service which has been delivered quickly and professionally. I would definitely recommend to anyone whether they need any help with pianos or are looking to purchase and all the pianos are of incredible quality and are clearly cared about.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Katherine Rabey-Bennett 
 
 
 
  Fantastic customer service and we love our new piano! Will was so helpful, extremely knowledgeable and not at all pushy. We had a great experience browsing the pianos in the store after calling half an hour before popping in. We spent quite a while chatting to Will about the different models and he gave us plenty of time to try them. Frequent updates on timescales after ordering and the delivery team was very polite and efficient. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a piano in the region!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Roy Chilcott 
 
 
 
  Perfection is very important to the company. Highly recommended!