This was due to rising production costs in Korea and also allowed the company to supply the growing Chinese piano market more easily. In 1995 Young Chang constructed a 750,000 square foot factory in Tianjin, China. In 1990, Young Chang purchased Kurzweil Music Systems, a high-end electronic and digital instruments manufacturer.
USED YOUNG CHANG UPRIGHT PIANO SERIES
Fandrich to design a completely new series of instruments. Recently the company has worked with American piano designer Delwin D. Pramberger passed away in 2003 and the estate sold his name to Young Chang’s fellow Korean competitor, Samick, however, the former company retained his various innovations. Pianos built under this name incorporated respected German Renner action parts. This line of pianos was the premiere series from Young Chang for three years. The Pramberger Platinum series of pianos was introduced in 2001. An experienced piano designer, Pramberger brought a number of innovations and quality improvements to the Korean company. This included the ‘Platinum Touch Action’, as well as a patented asymmetrically tapered soundboard. The former head of manufacturing for Steinway, Joseph Pramberger joined Young Chang in 1995. During the company’s peak, they were one of the most prolific producers of ‘stencil pianos’ in the world. They currently produce the Fridolin line of budget pianos for German-based Schimmel. The company used to manufacture pianos for Yamaha’s Korean distribution and the Essex line of introductory level budget pianos for Steinway & Sons. This has included Albert Weber, Weber, Pramberger, Bergman as well as Young Chang. Young Chang built pianos have and continue to be marketed under a variety of different brand names. These pianos are known for their solid build and quality tone. The goal of the company was to create a quality piano in the most efficient way, keeping their piano’s price points reasonable, thus making the instrument accessible to as many piano enthusiasts and musicians as possible. The company grew rapidly and became the largest maker of pianos in the world. They embraced the challenge of entering the piano market relatively ‘late’ in the game. When they began piano production they were already experienced in the piano industry. The three Young Chang brothers, Jai-Young Kim, Jai-Chang Kim, and Jai-Chang Kim founded Young Chang Co.