The Piano That Waited for Laswell
Some finds are about more than design. They arrive with a history—and the promise of becoming part of a new one.
We discovered this beautifully preserved Yamaha Disklavier inside a grand Rancho Bernardo estate in San Diego. Built in 1991, the approximately 9,000-square-foot home sits on more than an acre and was held for many years by Albrechtsen P E Holdings Ltd. Public records connect the property to the Albrechtsen name for well over a decade.
We believe the piano was purchased for the California home of Paul E. Albrechtsen and his family. Born in Denmark, Albrechtsen immigrated to Canada and built Paul’s Hauling into one of Western Canada’s leading bulk-transportation companies. He later became known for extraordinary philanthropy supporting healthcare, medical research and community institutions—and was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his business leadership and generosity. The Governor General of Canada
The identification plate tells us that the piano is a Yamaha DGP1XG Disklavier, serial number 20740, marked KM97 and “Made in Japan.” That places it within Yamaha’s late-1990s Mark II XG generation and suggests it was made around 1997.
Unlike a conventional player piano, the Disklavier uses an integrated electronic system to physically operate the keys and pedals, recreating a performance on the piano itself. It represents a fascinating meeting of traditional Japanese piano craftsmanship and the emerging home technology of the late 20th century.
Based on its age and its remarkably preserved condition, we believe the piano spent nearly three decades in the Rancho Bernardo residence. The home appears to have been only lightly used for much of that time, helping preserve the piano’s polished ebony case, interior and player system.
Now, it begins a new chapter.
TM has always dreamed of having a player piano in the house—not simply as an object, but as part of the way the home feels. Music during dinner. Familiar songs drifting into the lounge. Cocktails by the pool while the piano plays inside. Those spontaneous moments when a house becomes an experience.
The piano was carefully removed from its longtime home and is now being stored while work at Laswell is completed. When it arrives in Palm Springs, it will take its place in the lounge as both an instrument and a gathering point—ready to bring music, movement and another layer of life to the house.
After nearly 30 years in Rancho Bernardo, this special Yamaha is on its way to Laswell. We cannot wait to welcome it home.
