Maene

Pianos Maene was established in 1938. Having more than 80 employees, 6 shops, a piano museum and a world famous workshop, it has become one of the biggest piano companies in Europe. The family company is owned by Chris Maene and his two sons, Frederic and Dominique. In 1938, Albert Maene and Zulma Doutreloigne established their first piano shop in Belgium in Esen near Diksmuide. Mr. Maene was an organist and music teacher, and he gave private notation and piano lessons. He also rented some rooms with pianos where students could practice. Mrs. Maene excelled in business, and thus they made a brilliant duo for the running of their piano shop. An organ builder, Jozef Loncke, lived close to the shop. He taught Albert Maene the art of tuning pianos. In addition, the piano dealer and restorer from Bruges, Pierre Labyt, taught Albert Maene more about the piano business. Last but not least, from Antwerp, Guido Vancauwenberghe, passed his knowledge on to Albert Maene. In 1984, Chris Maene took over from his father Albert, and took charge of the business. He created a further bloom and expansion of the activities. With artisanal experience, he was able to build a workshop filled with specialists, some of whom had trained in Hamburg, Berlin, Poland, Tokyo, and Paris. What is unique about Pianos Maene, is that it combines of a piano business, a workshop, and a collection of historic instruments.