About Us

PianoWerkes is the realization of a 15 year collaboration between Neal Hickson, Maurice Unis, and a national team of piano specialists. They first met in New Mexico, in 1995, while working on behalf of Yamaha and Steinway dealers coast-to-coast conducting fundraisers for arts organizations and universities (e.g., symphony orchestras, opera companies, university music departments, and charitable foundations).


Neal Hickson of Albuquerque is an accomplished pianist and experienced sales counselor with over 20 years of experience nationally in the piano industry. Since 1995, he has worked with Maurice Unis, president of Forte Marketing Group and Classic Pianos of Portland, Oregon. Neal has been the moving force behind the 2009 formation of PianoWerkes.


In 2001 Maurice Unis and his eldest son, Brian, opened Classic Pianos — in Portland, OR ― in a building that had earlier housed a violin maker. After becoming Portland’s exclusive Yamaha dealer, Classic Pianos expanded its “piano campus” by purchasing one of Portland’s old brick buildings located on the West Side of its main store. Here, in the historic “Brooklyn Neighborhood” Restoration Shop, craftsmen and technicians restore and revoice vintage instruments ― especially Steinway & Sons and Mason & Hamlin grands ― available in New Mexico exclusively through PianoWerkes and its Classic Collection. Adjacent to the shop is a restored 1912 craftsman “Church House,” former chapel and office of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon . . . that Maurice Unis saved from demolition . . . now enlarged into a guest condominium and audition room for out of town Classic Collection customers.

Today, Maurice Unis, his fourth generation piano-business-family, and his U.S. team of piano specialists have garnered a national award winning reputation ― plus recognition from piano manufacturers they represent. Yamaha ― Distinguished Diamond Top Dealer Award for Sales and Artistic Yamaha Representation; Schimmel ― Top Dealer Award for Outstanding Sales & Service; Mason & Hamlin ― The Lowell Mason Award: Highest Possible U.S. Recognition for Contribution to the Community, and Highest Dealer Sales (North America & International.)

Although PianoWerkes is a locally operated New Mexico business, we are proud to be partnered with Classic Pianos of Portland, and benefit from its national reputation and extensive inventory of over 300 pianos. PianoWerkes also networks with Classic Pianos and Forte Marketing professionals who, collectively, represent a wide range of expertise and experience in the music industry.

Through this partnership and shared passion for pianos, PianoWerkes is able to afford its New Mexico clients the widest and most diverse selection of quality pianos imaginable in every price range.



MISSION STATEMENT

At PianoWerkes, you're welcome to pursue your search for a piano in the manner that works best for you. If you need help selecting a piano, detailed information, advice from a musical or technical standpoint, to bring your music and try different pianos uninterrupted, or simply want to be left alone to look before you develop questions, we'll respect your wishes.

We want you to find the perfect piano that fits your individual personality, budget, and musical desires — that you'll be happy with for the rest of your life. That's why we back up your purchase with our 100% Lifetime Trade Policy.