Cordogan’s Pianoland celebrates 75 years of family-owned success in a changing piano industry
Cordogan’s Pianoland, the Midwest’s largest piano store and a cornerstone of Chicagoland’s music community, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Founded in autumn of 1950, this family-owned business has survived and thrived through an industry that has seen dramatic change, proving that traditional values and hands-on expertise remain the key to long-term success.
Cordogan’s Pianoland stands apart as Illinois’ exclusive authorized dealer for the full product lines from Kawai, Shigeru Kawai and Estonia pianos, and one of the only showrooms in the country where customers can directly compare hundreds of new acoustic and digital pianos side-by-side with restored used instruments from top brands. While many dealers have shifted to “add to cart” online sales or closed their doors altogether, Cordogan’s has doubled down on the “old-fashioned” approach: expert restoration, personalized guidance, in-store comparisons, internet competitive prices and after-sale support that ensures customers are cared for long after purchase.
“The piano business has changed dramatically in 75 years but in other ways it has stayed the same. Customers can do online research, but being led to the best instrument and value for any particular customer situation is best done with the help of an industry professional — and that’s all we have on staff. It’s why people still drive from across the Midwest to work with us” said John Cordogan, who with his sister Dianthe, owns Cordogan’s Pianoland. “We are in the business of everything that is an option for today’s customer, which makes us very unique. Whether it’s guiding on new versus used, digital or acoustic … renting … moving … tuning … restoring or appraising a family piano or one found online — we do it all from an unbiased place because it’s still a valued customer for us in every case.”
Cordogan’s Pianoland stocks almost 400 pianos in its 30,000-square-foot facility, including grand, upright, and digital pianos. The store is also known for its expert restoration of used Steinway, Yamaha, and Kawai models — a process involving thousands of adjustments to ensure every key on every piano plays and sounds its very best. Each used piano sold comes with a warranty, in-home tuning, and a unique five-year full trade-up policy.
Still in its second generation of family leadership, Cordogan’s Pianoland continues to serve students, families, schools, and professional musicians alike. Its legacy reflects not just the survival of a business, but the endurance of a cultural tradition: bringing live music into homes and communities.
About Cordogan’s Pianoland
Founded in 1950, Cordogan’s Pianoland is the Midwest’s largest piano store, located in Geneva, Illinois. The 75-year-old family business offers new, used, and restored pianos from leading brands, expert service, and one of the widest selections in the nation. Cordogan’s is Illinois’ exclusive dealer for the full product lines from Kawai, Shigeru Kawai, Estonia and Roland pianos.