The American Piano Institute will be hosting its annual piano sale at Hollywood Pianos Factory Outlet in Pasadena from Friday to Sunday, August 18 to 20 with Friday reserved for appointments only, according to the Institute’s director, Mario Merdirossian. This is the first sale in 16 months due to the pandemic.
Merdirossian explained that the sale includes a “vast inventory of vertical pianos from various manufacturers and educational institutions.”
With over 30 different brands in stock, the sale offers both new and rebuilt pianos. Some of the pianos come from manufacturers clearing excess inventory, while others are trade-ins.
“It is a liquidation, so this is excess inventory — we have to sell it,” said Merdirossian.
When asked about the potential discounts, he clarified that new pianos would be priced at or below regular retail prices.
Merdirossian, a seasoned concert pianist and professor of piano with a rich history of conducting masterclasses in piano technology and history across America and South America, is the lead authority at the sale.
He said he ensures that potential buyers receive accurate guidance about the various piano brands available.
The director emphasized the Institute aims to educate the public about lesser-known, yet quality piano brands beyond the widely promoted ones. “We try to educate the people in all their choices,” he added.
Founded about 12 years ago, Merdirossian shared that the Institute supports music organizations in Los Angeles and also provides pianos to the film industry. The American Piano Institute is a segment of Sweet 16 Musical Enterprises. It operates in conjunction with Hollywood Piano, a retail business.
The American Piano Institute’s location in Pasadena also houses Hollywood Pianos Factory Outlet. While the current sale is an annual event in Los Angeles, there are sometimes similar sales held outside of the city. No further sales are planned in Los Angeles for the remainder of the year.
In addition to the sale, Merdirossian offers his expertise to attendees, sharing advice and knowledge about the piano industry, technology, and history. “I’d be happy to help them out because it is one of my duties,” he said.
In Pasadena, this clearance event will be held at the Hollywood Piano Factory Outlet & Clearance Center at 2084 E. Foothill Blvd. in east Pasadena. For more call (626) 229-0999.
