A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Bechstein, Friedrich
BECHSTEIN, Friedrich Wilhelm Karl. The first half of this century was not marked by any noteworthy progress in North German pianoforte-making, the instruments made being far behind the Viennese. But this reproach cannot now be applied either to Berlin or Leipsic. Herr Bechstein established his workshops in the former city in 1855. By the adoption of the American system of iron framing and of an action based upon the English, he has raised a reputation for his concert instruments reaching beyond Prussian limits. Herr Bechstein is a native of Gotha.
[ A. J. H. ]