The R. Kassman piano store has closed after more than 40 years. Credit: Nathan Dalton
After 46 years, R. Kassman, Purveyor of Fine Pianos, has closed, as current owner Ric Overton is retiring after four decades in the industry. The last piano was sold at the Gilman District shop on Nov. 29.
The piano store was founded in 1979 by Russell Kassman in San Francisco. Kassman closed his San Francisco shop in 2004 and reopened in Berkeley in 2007. Kassman sold the business to Overton in 2019.
The shop was the first in the Bay Area to specialize in fine European pianos, and became known for “upper end pianos,” according to Overton. The store often rented pianos to the San Francisco Symphony and SF Opera, and counted among its clients Rod Stewart, Steve Jobs, Michael Feinstein, Jerry Rice and others, according to a 2019 press release.
Kassman moved to San Antonio, Texas, in 2020 and continues to “service, sell and consult in the piano industry,” according to his website.
Overton also plans to continue working in the piano industry, but at a more easy-going pace.
“With six days a week and all the attention the store requires, I would like more time to work on some other projects,” he wrote in a post on Piano World announcing his retirement.
R. Kassman, 843 Gilman St., Ste. B, Berkeley. Phone: 510-558-0765.
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