Introducing Sauter Pianos — German Craftsmanship. Timeless Sound.

Sauter Pianos: A Symphony of Precision and Passion
Handcrafted in Spaichingen, Germany since 1819, Sauter pianos embody the essence of European piano making. Each instrument is built with uncompromising attention to detail, combining warm, resonant tone with modern elegance.


A Legacy of German Innovation

The story of Sauter begins in 1819, in the small town of Spaichingen, nestled at the foot of the Swabian Alps in southern Germany. Johann Grimm, a young craftsman who had apprenticed in Vienna — the epicentre of piano building at the time — brought his knowledge and passion back home. His nephew, Carl Sauter, soon joined him and laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s oldest and most respected piano manufacturers.

Through generations, the Sauter family has preserved and refined the art of piano making, combining traditional craftsmanship with continuous innovation. Today, Sauter remains the oldest piano manufacturer still run by descendants of its founder — a rare distinction that speaks to their unwavering dedication to excellence.

From its earliest instruments to today’s award-winning grand and upright pianos, every Sauter piano is made entirely in Spaichingen, using only German materials and techniques passed down for over 200 years.

The company’s philosophy has always been simple yet profound: to build pianos that inspire emotion, invite creativity, and last for generations.

Under the leadership of Ulrich Sauter, the brand continues to evolve. By partnering with renowned designer Peter Maly, Sauter has introduced a modern design language that bridges tradition and contemporary aesthetics — proving that true craftsmanship never goes out of style.

Today, Sauter pianos are cherished by concert artists, educators, and passionate pianists worldwide for their singular clarity, responsive touch, and lyrical tone — qualities born from two centuries of devotion to the art of sound.


Sauter’s collaboration with Peter Maly, one of Germany’s most acclaimed furniture and industrial designers, marks a bold chapter in the company’s history. Known for his precision, restraint, and ability to create emotional resonance through minimalist forms, Maly brings a new visual language to Sauter pianos — one that perfectly complements their acoustic excellence.


Guided by the principle of “less, but better”, Maly’s approach celebrates clean lines, natural materials, and refined proportions. Every curve and contour in his designs serves a purpose: to highlight the piano’s sculptural beauty while preserving its functional integrity. His work for Sauter — including the Pure, Rondo, and Vitrea models — translates the company’s 200-year tradition into a contemporary aesthetic that feels both understated and luxurious. These instruments are not only musical masterpieces but also objects of design, perfectly suited to modern living spaces.

Maly once described his goal as creating “a piano that breathes calmness and clarity, where sound and form are in harmony.” This design ethos reflects the very essence of Sauter: craftsmanship rooted in heritage, expressed through innovation.

The result is a piano that is as beautiful to behold as it is to play — a harmonious union of German engineering, artistic vision, and human touch.


Modern Architecture in Sound

The Sauter Vision, designed by Peter Maly, is a striking fusion of architectural form and musical precision. Its minimalist lines, refined surfaces, and floating silhouette make it a contemporary classic — elegant yet understated.

Crafted entirely in Germany, the Vision embodies Sauter’s hallmark: a warm, transparent tone housed in a piano of sculptural simplicity. Perfect for modern interiors, it transforms any space into a stage for sound and design.

Vision Nova

Light. Clarity. Evolution.

The Vision Nova takes Maly’s concept further — blending lacquer, wood, and glass to create a piano that feels both luminous and weightless. Its floating glass top and contrasting materials reflect light like fine architecture, giving it a presence that is both bold and graceful.

Beneath its modern exterior lies the unmistakable Sauter soul: handcrafted precision, the R2 double escapement action, and a soundboard voiced for expressive depth.


Vivace

Where Elegance Meets Energy

The Sauter Vivace, created by acclaimed designer Peter Maly, represents the boldest expression of Sauter’s modern design language. Its striking form — defined by sharp angles, flowing surfaces, and a forward-leaning stance — evokes a sense of movement even at rest.

Maly conceived Vivace to reflect the vitality of music itself: sleek, dynamic, and alive with rhythm. Every line and proportion is carefully balanced, from the tapering legs to the polished lid and subtly curved panels, giving the piano a sculptural, aerodynamic presence.

Inside, Vivace is pure Sauter — handcrafted in Spaichingen, Germany, with the brand’s signature R2 double escapement action, precision-regulated keys, and a resonant, singing tone that rewards the most expressive playing.

The result is an instrument that unites motion and mastery, equally at home in contemporary living spaces or modern performance venues.


For more information on Sauter Pianos, please give us a call on 09 524 4119 or email us at pianos@lewiseady.co.nz