Remembering David L. Abell


David L. Abell fine pianos has officially become a Keyboard Concepts store. Although the store was acquired by Keyboard Concepts in 1999, the owners, Dennis Hagerty and Jeff Falgien, decided to retain the David L. Abell name in honor of the man who became a piano retailing legend in Los Angeles. For more than 54 years, David L. Abell fine pianos was the Los Angeles headquarters for the very finest in fine pianos including Yamaha grands, Bosendorfers and vintage Steinways. As the autographed photos that line the store’s walls attest, all the biggest names in professional music were customers including Tony Bennett, Benny Carter, Quincy Jones, Gene Kelly, George Shearing, Frank Sinatra, Jackson Browne, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, the Eagles, the Moody Blues, Andre Previn, John Williams and many, many more.

David L. Abell was not only a masterful music retailer; he was a strong advocate for every aspect of the music industry and was especially dedicated to his lifelong love of jazz. David supported many local music programs including the UCLA Jazz Studies Program. He and his wife, Barbara, were the impetus behind rebuilding the music department at Washington Preparatory High School after it was destroyed by fire. The new department was named in their honor.

According to Dennis Hagerty, “David Abell knew how to take care of his customers and developed a very loyal following. As Keyboard Concepts, we will continue David’s dedication to quality and fine service. He was a great piano retailer and we are proud to follow in his footsteps.”