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Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE

Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.

ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN 

CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
  • Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
  • Open, airy spaces
  • Promotion of functionality
  • Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
  • Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
  • A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.

Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.

Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.

The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak

Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.

Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.

On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries. 

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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Mid-Century Modern Baldwin Acrosonic Piano in Walnut and Caning, 1960's
Located in Charleston, SC
No description provided Mid-Century Modern Baldwin Acrosonic Piano in Walnut and Caning - 1960's This Mid-Century modern Acrosonic spinet piano made by Baldwin is very sought after and is an amazing addition to any home. It's signature Danish style modern tapered leg design and solid walnut wood cabinet...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Glass Ball Full-Range Stereo Speaker with Built-In Subwoofer 'Customizable'
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This configuration is for a pair of stereo floor speakers with built-in subwoofer. Prices starts from € 7.950 / $ 8.450 Our audio evokes the beauty...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

Materials

Quartz, Marble, Granite

Glass Ball Full-Range Stereo Speaker Set W. Travertine Base 'Customizable'
Located in Copenhagen, DK
With the Singularity speaker, the function takes on infinite value. we have built our design up from the most fundamental requirements of the product. Our clear sphere has captured the moment- and has augmented and empowered it- in a stunning work of art that delivers incredible, lucid sound. The Singularity speaker uses the most foundational materials and nothing else: stone, glass, wood, and the finest-quality full-range speaker driver all assembled and handcrafted in Sweden while designed in Denmark. We have encapsulated sound's vibrating air inside the crystal-clear sphere, making for a phenomenal sound that is both transparent and present. This configuration is for a pair of stereo floor...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

Materials

Quartz, Granite, Marble, Travertine

PH Grand Piano PH186 Excellence, Black Leather, Chrome, Modern, Sculptural
Located in Copenhagen, DK
- All prices are listed ex works. - 5 year guarantee. - We regularly crate, ship and install PH Pianos worldwide with full insurance. The Poul Henningsen-designed PH Grand Piano...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

Materials

Chrome

PH Grand Piano Vintage Model '1935-1938' by Poul Henningsen, Modern, Sculptural
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This PH Grand Piano, serial number 4600, was manufactured between 1935 and 1938. It is an excellent-conditioned vintage instrument that has been careful...
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

Materials

Chrome

PH Grand Piano Vintage Model 'mid 1930's' by Poul Henningsen, Modern, Sculptural
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This PH Grand Piano, from around the mid 1930's is an excellent-conditioned vintage instrument. It was in 1930 that this instrument was first designed b...
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

Materials

Chrome

Customizable Glass Ball Full-Range Pedestal Mono Speaker.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This configuration is for a single mono floor speakers without built-in subwoofer. Prices starts from € 7.950 / $ 8.450 Our audio evokes the beauty...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

Materials

Quartz, Marble, Granite

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B&O Cona Passive Subwoofer (in MOMA) and Speakers
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Infinity Kappa Stereo Speakers
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H 59.5 in W 21.25 in D 8.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Century Walnut & Cane King Headboard
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This listing is for a Mid-Century Modern Century King Headboard. Featuring a straight line design, made up of solid wood with cane over top, and a beautiful walnut finish. This is an...
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Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Rare Baldwin Acrosonic Spinet Piano in Walnut, Brass & Cane, USA, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a stunning Mid-Century Modern Acrosonic spinet piano made by Baldwin in the late 1960's. It's Danish modern tapered leg design and solid walnut wood cabinet...
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1960s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Poul Hennigsen Grand Piano
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Original Poul Hennigsen piano, circa 1930. Has been fully remastered and in beautiful condition. In 1930, the Danish creative genius, Poul Henningsen, reimagined what a piano could be when he created the PH Grand Piano...
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1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Leather

Poul Hennigsen Grand Piano
Poul Hennigsen Grand Piano
H 33 in W 59 in D 58 in
A German 19th Century Louis XVI Style Burr Walnut Bechstein Concert Grand Piano
By Bechstein Piano Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine German 19th Century Louis XVI Style Burr Walnut Bechstein Concert Grand Piano, Serial No. 5655. The beautifully crafted Grand piano, raised on three tapered barrel shaped legs, with an intricately carved ornate music desk and original keys. Circa: 1872. Length: 80 inches (203.2 cm) Width: 59 inches: (149.9 cm) Height (top closed): 38 5/8 inches (98.1 cm) C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik AG (also known as Bechstein) is a German manufacturer of pianos, established in 1853 by Carl Bechstein. Before Bechstein Young Carl Bechstein studied and worked in France and England as a piano craftsman, before he became an independent piano maker. His first pianos were made for other companies. C. Bechstein C. Bechstein piano factory was founded on 1 October 1853 by Carl Bechstein in Berlin, Germany. Carl Bechstein set out to manufacture a piano able to withstand the great demands imposed on the instrument by the virtuosi of the time, such as Franz Liszt. In 1857, Hans von Bülow (Liszt's son-in-law) gave the first public performance on a Bechstein grand piano by performing Liszt's Piano Sonata in B minor in Berlin By 1870, with endorsements from Franz Liszt and Hans von Bülow, Bechstein pianos had become a staple in many concert halls and private mansions. By that time three piano makers, all of which were founded in 1853, became established as the industry leaders across the world: Bechstein, Blüthner and Steinway & Sons. In 1881 Bechstein began supplying pianos to Queen Victoria. A gilded art-case piano was delivered to Buckingham Palace, followed by several more Bechstein pianos to Windsor Castle and other royal residences. By January 1886 they were among the piano manufacturers holding a Royal Warrant as a supplier to the Queen. Several British embassies across the world acquired Bechstein pianos. In 1885, Bechstein opened a branch in London, that eventually grew to become the largest showroom and dealership in Europe. By 1890 showrooms had been opened in Paris, Vienna, and Saint Petersburg. On 31 May 1901, Bechstein Hall, built at a cost of £100,000, was opened next to the company's London showroom at 36-40 Wigmore Street. Between 1901 and 1914, C. Bechstein was the largest piano dealership in London. At that time, Bechstein was patronized by the tsars of Russia, the royal families of Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Austria and Denmark, and other royalty and aristocracy. The list of royal clients of Bechstein may be found on the soundboard of vintage Bechstein pianos made before the Second World War. The list is part of the original Bechstein trademark logo; it can be seen under the strings in the center of a piano's soundboard. The signature of Carl Bechstein The years from the 1870s through 1914 brought Bechstein their most dramatic increase in sales. In 1880 a second Bechstein factory was opened in Berlin, and the third factory was opened in 1897 in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Production reached 3,700 pianos annually in 1900, and 4,600 in 1910, making Bechstein the largest German manufacturer of high-end pianos. At that time, about three quarters of production went to international markets, especially Britain and the Commonwealth, and Russia. Carl Bechstein died in 1900, and the Bechstein company continued to operate under the management of his sons. Between 1900 and 1914 C. Bechstein was one of the leading piano makers in the world, employing 1,200 craftsmen and workers by 1913 and making five thousand pianos per year. First World War C. Bechstein suffered huge property losses in London, Paris, and St. Petersburg during World War I. The largest loss was in London. Although the company's position in the United Kingdom was initially unaffected, with the company still listed as holding a Royal Warrant in January 1915, Warrants to both King George V, and his wife Queen Mary were cancelled on 13 April 1915. Bechstein was not the only musical concern to be affected by growing anti-German sentiment: there were earlier attempts, led by William Boosey, to boycott German music altogether. In 1915, despite being a Baronet and Privy Counsellor, Sir Edgar Speyer, who was then funding the Proms, was forced to leave the country. Following the passing of the Trading with the Enemy Amendment Act 1916 the British arm of the company was wound-up on 5 June 1916, all Bechstein property, including the concert hall and showrooms full of pianos, were seized as "enemy property" and closed. In 1916 the hall was sold as alien property at auction to Debenhams for £56,500. It was renamed Wigmore Hall, and then re-opened under the new name in 1917. All 137 Bechstein pianos at the Bechstein showrooms were confiscated too, and became property of the new owner of the Hall. After a dispute with his brother, Edwin Bechstein left the company and was paid off. Eventually the Bechstein factory resumed full-scale production during the 1920s. At that time, technical innovations and inventions of new materials and tools, as well as improvements in piano design and construction, had allowed Bechstein to become one of the leading piano makers again. The most successful models were the updated "A"-185 and "B"-208 grand pianos. The upright pianos became more popular after the war, and C. Bechstein were successful with its upright pianos Model-8 and Model-9, both of which have been considered the finest upright pianos. As the company was changed into a joint-stock company 1923, Edwin Bechstein and his wife Helene, bought themselves back into the company as shareholders. In 1930 the company collaborated with German electrical goods manufacturer Siemens under Nobel laureate Walther Nernst to produce one of the first electric pianos...
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19th Century German Antique Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Braun Stereo Atelier 1-81 by Dieter Rams + Braun L2 Speaker Pair 1958 RARE
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A rare stereo designed by Dieter Rams for Braun. The Braun Atelier 1-81 Stereo with am fm radio and record player paired with an exceedingly rare pair of...
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1950s German Vintage Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Chrome

Made in Italy Sound Amplifier, Orange Ceramics, Customizable Speaker, 2022
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Description This is an amplifier compatible with all smartphones in which the speaker is positioned at the bottom, near the microphone. It will allow you to increase the volume of your smartphone by 15/20 decibels! European Design Patent filed n. 005778529 Materials Handmade in 100% Italian ceramic and non-toxic glazes, i.e. free of lead and other substances harmful to the health of workers (as required by EU regulations). METHOD OF USE Just insert your smartphone in the appropriate space and start your favorite music to hear it clear and loud at home, outdoors or wherever you want! It has a hole for passing the power cable. ECO-SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION The production method is characterized by an ethical and eco-sustainable approach. Ceramics of controlled origin, non-toxic glazes and photovoltaic panels are used to guarantee the functioning of the electric ovens...
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2010s Italian Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Made in Italy Sound Amplifier, Green Sound Amplifier, Customizable Speaker, 2022
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
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Mid-Century Modern Pool Cues and Stand
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
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Mid-20th Century British Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Mid-Century Modern Pool Cues and Stand
Mid-Century Modern Pool Cues and Stand
H 57.09 in W 13.39 in D 13.39 in
Previously Available Items
"Beosystem 2500", David Lewis, Bang & Olufsen
By Bang & Olufsen, David Lewis
Located in Neuss, NW
Legendary design classic "Beosystem 2500" designed by David Lewis for Bang & Olufsen in the 1990s. Compact stereo unit with CD player, tape deck and built-in speakers "Beolab 2500". ...
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1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Plastic

"Beosystem 2500", David Lewis, Bang & Olufsen
"Beosystem 2500", David Lewis, Bang & Olufsen
H 14.18 in W 32.68 in D 6.7 in
Denmark Bang & Olufsen Beomaster 1900 Stereo Receiver Modern Music 1970s
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern Danish Modern Bang & Olufsen Stereo Receiver BEOMASTER 1900. Dimensions: 2 .13H x 9.63 D x 24.13 W inches Denmark 1970s. Original...
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1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Pair of Mid-Century Modern Speakers by Dynaco Model A-25 Danish Modern
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice and rare pair of very collectable speakers by Dynaco model A-25, nice walnut cases freshly refinished in working condition. All original.
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Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Walnut

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Speakers by Dynaco Model A-25 Danish Modern
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice and rare pair of very collectable speakers by Dynaco model A-25, nice walnut cases freshly refinished in working condition. All original.
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Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Walnut

Poul Henningsen, Pianette / Piano, Origin: Copenhagen, Denmark, Circa 1935
Located in New York, NY
Poul Henningsen (Danish, Ordrup 1894-1967), upright piano - pianette, manufactured by Andreas Christensen, designed in 1935, origin: Copenhagen, Denmark, stained and ebonized woods with original patinated red Nigerian leather...
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1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Wood, Leather

Bang & Olufsen Type "K" Speakers in Rosewood
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
The loudspeaker Hojttaler tyoe K 3-5 OHM offered hi-fidelity sound reproduction as a result of revolutionary pressurised construction methods. It was Bang & Olufsen’s largest loudspe...
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1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

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Bang & Olufsen Type "K" Speakers in Rosewood
Bang & Olufsen Type "K" Speakers in Rosewood
H 30.32 in W 18.9 in D 15.75 in
Teak Waste Basket
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Norwegian wastebasket having molded and shaped sides and a sculpted single handle in solid teak.
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1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Musical Instruments

Materials

Teak

Teak Waste Basket
Teak Waste Basket
H 19 in W 14.5 in D 8 in

Scandinavian Modern musical instruments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern musical instruments for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage musical instruments created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern musical instruments made in a specific country, there are Denmark, Europe, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original musical instruments, popular names associated with this style include and Poul Henningsen. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for musical instruments differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $6,500 and tops out at $332,864 while the average work can sell for $30,410.

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