Charles R. Walter, the founder of Charles R. Walter piano company passed away Friday.

I had the pleasure of chatting with him at the NAMM show a few times over the years, a true gentleman.

I received this email from Dan Del Fiorentino (historian for NAMM)...


"Charles R. Walter, a pillar in the piano business for nearly 60 years, passed away on Friday. He was 92.

Charles was hired by the C.G. Conn Company to work in the piano design department back in 1964. While there he worked under the legendary Dr. Earle Kent, the Director of Research and Engineering. When the company decided to discontinue one of their piano lines, Charles saw an opportunity. In 1977, a year after establishing his own piano manufacturing business, he introduced the first Charles R. Walter Piano at the NAMM Show in Chicago. It was the beginning of his own brand and design, which grew into a family business that continues to produce quality instruments.

Here is a segment from his 2005 NAMM Oral History interview:
https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/charles-walter

In addition to running a successful business, Charles was also very active in encouraging music makers of all ages by supporting several organizations including AMC and the NAMM Foundation.

His contributions to music will be felt for generations to come.
Dan"

R.I.P

My sincere condolences to Charles Walter and his family.

Rick

Sad news.

My condolences to his family and friends. My wife and I got to meet him at the factory once, and we saw him just a few years ago at NAMM, actively manning the Charles Walter booth. A very nice man with a very nice family, all involved with the company!

Charles Walter was a very fine gentleman. He was always very attentive in our discussions regarding pianos. I am sorry he is gone.

My sincere condolences to the Charles R. Walther family. It’s very sad news to music lovers everywhere.

I have had the privilege of spending time with the Walter family over the years and they have always been wonderful to work with, to do business with, and to have as friends. Charles was the patriarch of a clan of fine people. I understand from his family that he would still go in occasionally and spend time working and helping out even though he had formally turned the company over to his children.

He seemed to have lived a good life filled with family and doing work that he loved. It is my sincere hope that they continue on unencumbered by his passing.

Rest well Mr. Walter and God Bless you and your family.

This is very sad news. Charles' influence on the piano industry is huge. He's left a great legacy behind. We have all benefited from his labors for decades, and many others will reap the benefits for generations to come.

Very sorry to learn of this. I never met him, but I greatly enjoyed his pianos. Mr. Walter left a legacy to be proud of. Rest in Peace.

I never met the man, but know some of his family. A loss to our community and the piano world.

My condolences to the Walters family and all those who knew this legendary man.
Jon

So sad. I've worked on many pianos that he inspired. He devoted his life to our industry!

I had the opportunity to spend time and be acquainted with Walter's. My condolences to such a wonderful family.