The Casablanca Piano Unveiled: Secrets, Stories & Surprising Facts 🎹 (2025)

a close up of a piano with a metal handle

Step into the smoky haze of Rick’s Café Américain and discover the true story behind the legendary Casablanca piano—the very instrument that set the mood for one of cinema’s most iconic love stories. Did you know the piano that accompanied Sam’s soulful rendition of “As Time Goes By” isn’t just a prop, but a priceless artifact that sold for millions? And that the actor playing Sam wasn’t even the one tickling the ivories? Intrigued? You’re not alone.

In this deep dive, we unravel the mysteries of the Casablanca piano—from its Moroccan-inspired design and clever film modifications to the real pianist behind the music. We’ll also explore how to identify an authentic Casablanca piano, where to find similar vintage models, and why this humble 58-key upright remains a collector’s dream. Whether you’re a cinephile, musician, or piano enthusiast, prepare for a fascinating journey that hits all the right notes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Casablanca piano is a 1927 Kohler & Campbell 58-key upright, uniquely modified and hand-painted for the film’s iconic café setting.
  • The actor Dooley Wilson mimed playing; the real pianist was Jean Vincent Plummer, a studio musician whose contributions have long been overlooked.
  • The piano sold for $3.4 million at auction, making it one of the most valuable movie props ever.
  • Authenticity can be verified by serial numbers, studio markings, and unique modifications like the detachable lid.
  • Vintage uprights from Kohler & Campbell, Baldwin, and Wurlitzer offer similar tonal charm, while modern uprights from Yamaha and Kawai provide reliable alternatives.
  • Proper care and restoration are essential to preserve the piano’s historical and musical value.

Ready to explore the full story and uncover expert tips? Keep reading to discover the magic behind the Casablanca piano!

Table of Contents

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⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About the Casablanca Piano

Welcome, music lovers and film buffs! We at Piano Brands™ are about to pull back the curtain on one of the most famous instruments in cinematic history. Before we dive deep into the smoky ambiance of Rick’s Café Américain, let’s hit the high notes with some jaw-dropping facts about the Casablanca piano.

  • Two Pianos, One Film: That’s right! There wasn’t just one, but two iconic pianos used in the 1942 classic, Casablanca. One is the famous rusty-colored upright from Rick’s, and the other is a smaller green piano featured in the Paris flashback scene.
  • Not a Full Deck: Both pianos are “studio” uprights with only 58 keys, a far cry from the standard 88. This was common for smaller, more portable pianos of the era.
  • A Prop with a Purpose: The main piano wasn’t just for show! Its lid was cleverly modified with a hook and eye so Rick (Humphrey Bogart) could stash the priceless “letters of transit” inside, a key plot point of the film.
  • What’s in a Name?: The main piano is believed to be a 1927 Kohler & Campbell, though it bears the label of “Richardson’s of Los Angeles” on its interior case.
  • Record-Shattering Sale: The main “As Time Goes By” piano sold at a Bonham’s auction in 2014 for a staggering $3.4 million! It’s a contender for the title of Who Owns the Most Expensive Piano in the World? 🎹 (2025). The smaller green piano from the flashback scene also fetched a handsome sum, selling for $602,500 in 2012.
  • The Phantom Pianist: The actor who played Sam, Dooley Wilson, was actually a drummer and couldn’t play the piano. He mimed his performance while a real pianist played off-screen. But who was it? We’ll solve that mystery shortly!
  • A Sticky Situation: A piece of petrified chewing gum was found stuck to the underside of the main piano’s keyboard, complete with a faint fingerprint. Talk about a time capsule!
  • Misquoted Melody: The famous line is often remembered as “Play it again, Sam.” However, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) actually says, “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By.'” Rick’s line is simply, “Play it!”.

🎹 The Enchanting History and Legacy of the Casablanca Piano

a close up of a piano with a wooden case

Every legendary instrument has a story, and the Casablanca piano’s tale is as dramatic as the film itself. This isn’t just a prop; it’s a character, a silent witness to one of Hollywood’s greatest love stories. To understand its magic, we have to travel back in time, long before it ever graced the silver screen. For more on the lineage of great instruments, check out our Piano History guides.

The main piano, a modest 58-key upright likely manufactured by Kohler & Campbell in 1927, was just another studio instrument on the Warner Bros. lot. It bears an “FNP” (First National Pictures) marking on its back, indicating its studio lineage. It was plucked from obscurity and given a Moroccan-themed makeover to fit the exotic decor of Rick’s Café Américain. This design was reportedly inspired by the 1925 book La decoration Marocaine.

After filming wrapped, the piano faded back into the studio’s collection, its star turn seemingly over. It wasn’t until decades later that its cultural significance was truly recognized. It was acquired by a collector and, in the early 1980s, underwent a careful restoration of its Moroccan paintwork under the guidance of Warner Bros. itself.

Its journey culminated in a series of high-profile exhibitions and, ultimately, the auction block. The 2014 sale at Bonham’s for $3.4 million cemented its status not just as a piece of movie memorabilia, but as a priceless cultural artifact. It’s a testament to the enduring power of Casablanca and the central role this humble piano played in its story.

🎬 The Iconic Casablanca Piano: The Star Behind “As Time Goes By”

Let’s be honest, when you think of Casablanca, you picture three things: Bogart’s trench coat, Bergman’s teary eyes, and that unforgettable piano. It’s more than just set dressing; it’s the catalyst for the entire emotional core of the film.

The piano’s design is striking—a rusty, ochre color with intricate, hand-painted Moroccan floral patterns. This wasn’t just a random choice; it was a deliberate design element to transport the audience to the world of Rick’s Café. But its most important feature was a clever modification made by the studio. The lid was detached and re-secured with a simple hook and eye. Why? This allowed for one of the film’s most tense moments: Rick lifting the lid from the back to hide the illegal transit papers, right under the noses of the German officers. The piano becomes a literal safe house, a symbol of hope and rebellion.

It’s the emotional anchor of the film.

  • It’s where Ilsa makes her fateful request: “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By.'”
  • It’s the source of the melody that forces Rick to confront the past he’s been desperately trying to outrun.
  • It’s where the patrons of the café make their defiant stand, drowning out the Germans by singing “La Marseillaise.”

As the auction house Bonhams noted, “Sam’s piano is central to both the plot and the overall mood of Casablanca.” It’s the keeper of secrets, the trigger of memories, and the heart of the resistance. Not bad for a 58-key upright!

🎼 Who Played It Again, Sam? The Pianists Behind Casablanca’s Melodies

Video: Casablanca | Piano solo | Easy level | Linh Nhi.

Here’s one of the biggest “behind the music” stories in Hollywood history. We all love Sam (Dooley Wilson), but as we mentioned, he was a talented drummer and singer, not a pianist. So, whose fingers were actually producing that haunting melody of “As Time Goes By”? For years, the credit was often mistakenly given to a pianist named Elliot Carpenter. However, deep-dive research by the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 47 has set the record straight.

Let’s break down the key players in this musical mystery:

| Pianist | Role & Contribution | Verdict – | ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- | ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- | | Jean Vincent Plummer | A studio pianist for CBS Radio and various film studios. According to AFM’s research, Plummer was on the payroll for the entire production and was present for all key recording sessions. A forensic musicologist concluded that the piano performance in the final film is attributable to him. – | ✅ The True Pianist – | | Elliot Carpenter | A talented pianist who did record versions of “As Time Goes By” with Dooley Wilson for DECCA records and was on set for a few days. For a long time, he was believed to be the pianist in the film, a notion solidified by a photo caption at a 30th-anniversary screening. – | ❌ A Common Misconception – | | William Ellfeldt | An arranger and pianist who managed the recording of the orchestral score and the famous “La Marseillaise” scene. He was a key musical figure on set but not the primary pianist for Sam’s performances. – | ❌ Not the Main Pianist – |

The AFM’s conclusion is clear: “From the foregoing, it can be concluded that all piano performance can be attributed to Jean Plummer.” So, the next time you watch that iconic scene from the first YouTube video and hear Ilsa say, “I still nobody in the world who can play ‘As Time Goes By’ like Sam,” you’ll know the real credit belongs to the unsung hero, Jean Plummer.

🔍 7 Key Features That Make the Casablanca Piano a Collector’s Dream

Video: 鋼琴曲《卡薩布蘭卡 – Casablanca》| 鋼琴演奏 趙海洋 ▏夜色鋼琴曲Night Piano.

What elevates a simple piano to a multi-million dollar collector’s item? It’s all in the details. Here are seven key features that make the main Casablanca piano a one-of-a-kind treasure.

  1. Unmistakable Provenance: This isn’t just a piano; it’s the piano from Casablanca. Its direct connection to one of the greatest films ever made gives it a value that transcends its physical form. It has an extensive exhibition and publication history, from the Museum of Modern Art to “The Oprah Winfrey Show”.
  2. Custom Moroccan Artwork: The beautiful, aged Moroccan paintwork is instantly recognizable. This custom finish, restored in the 1980s under Warner Bros. supervision, makes it visually unique and ties it directly to the film’s aesthetic.
  3. The 58-Key “Studio” Design: Its smaller, 58-key configuration is a charming quirk that speaks to its era and its intended use as a versatile studio prop. It’s a tangible piece of 1920s piano design.
  4. Plot-Driven Modifications: The detached lid, held by a hook and eye, is a crucial detail. This isn’t just damage; it’s a modification made specifically for the film’s plot, making it an integral part of the storytelling.
  5. Authentic Studio Markings: The “FNP” (First National Pictures) stamp on the back and the “Richardson’s of Los Angeles” label inside are like a birth certificate, tracing its lineage directly back to the golden age of Hollywood studios.
  6. The Chewing Gum Relic: It sounds bizarre, but the wad of petrified chewing gum found under the keyboard is a uniquely human touch. It’s a microscopic piece of history, a direct physical link to someone on that set over 80 years ago.
  7. Original Accessories: The piano was auctioned with its original stool and a photograph of Dooley Wilson as Sam, signed by the actor himself. These accessories complete the ensemble, making it a comprehensive historical package.

🎹 How to Identify an Authentic Casablanca Piano: Expert Tips

Video: As Time Goes By – Piano Cover & Sheet Music.

Okay, so the chances of you stumbling upon one of the two genuine Casablanca pianos at a garage sale are, let’s say, slim. 😉 But if you were ever in the presence of greatness, here’s what our experts at Piano Brands™ would look for to verify its authenticity, based on the detailed auction records.

  • Check the Serial Number: The main piano from Rick’s Café is documented with the serial number 252636. This is the first and most crucial identifier.
  • Look for Studio Markings: As mentioned, the rear of the piano case should have the “FNP” stamp for First National Pictures, a subsidiary of Warner Bros.
  • Examine the Interior Label: Inside the case, you should find the label of Richardson’s of Los Angeles, the original seller or renter of the piano to the studio.
  • Inspect the Lid Mechanism: The unique hook-and-eye fastener on the lid is a key modification. A standard piano lid would not be detached in this manner.
  • Count the Keys: Don’t be fooled by a full-sized piano! Both Casablanca pianos have only 58 keys.
  • Unique Blemishes: An expert appraisal would even look for the one-inch notch on the center-left leg and the three small holes in the piano lid, all documented as part of its unique history.

💡 Caring for Your Casablanca Piano: Maintenance and Restoration Insights

Video: Casablanca | Piano cover | Intermediate level | Linh Nhi.

Owning a piece of history like the Casablanca piano comes with immense responsibility. While you might not have a multi-million dollar movie prop in your living room, the principles of caring for a vintage piano are universal.

The Casablanca piano itself underwent a significant restoration of its paintwork in the 1980s. This was a delicate process, overseen by the studio to ensure it retained its authentic appearance. This highlights a crucial point for any vintage instrument owner:

  • Prioritize Preservation over Replacement: The goal is to maintain the instrument’s original character. Aggressive restoration can strip away its history (and its value!).
  • Consult Specialists: For an instrument with historical or sentimental value, always work with restorers who specialize in vintage pianos. They understand the materials and techniques of the era.
  • Climate Control is Key: Like any acoustic piano, vintage models are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. A stable environment is the best thing you can do to preserve the wood, soundboard, and action.
  • Gentle Cleaning: Dust with a soft, dry cloth. For painted finishes like the Casablanca piano, avoid chemical polishes unless you know they are safe for the specific type of paint used.

The key is to treat it not just as a musical instrument, but as an antique. Its quirks and imperfections are part of its story.

🎶 Casablanca Piano Sound and Performance: What Sets It Apart?

Video: Bertie Higgins – Casablanca Piano Tutorial.

So, what does a 1920s, 58-key upright actually sound like? While we can’t sit down and play the original, we can make some educated guesses based on its construction and the era it’s from.

The sound of these smaller “studio” or “birdcage” pianos is often described as being more intimate and less resonant than a full-sized upright or grand. The shorter strings and smaller soundboard produce a tone that is bright, a little bit boxy, and incredibly characterful. It’s not the booming, rich sound you’d want for a Rachmaninoff concerto, but it’s absolutely perfect for the smoky, melancholic atmosphere of Rick’s Café.

The sound is perfect for the ragtime and popular tunes of the 1940s. Jean Plummer’s performance in the film is notable for its understated, gentle touch—it’s not flashy, but it’s filled with emotion. That’s the kind of playing where an instrument like this truly shines. The slightly imperfect, “honky-tonk” quality of an old upright can convey a sense of nostalgia and world-weariness that a pristine concert grand simply cannot match. It’s the sound of memories, of love and loss, which is precisely what the music in Casablanca is all about.

🛍️ Where to Find and Buy Casablanca Pianos: Trusted Dealers and Auctions

Video: Casablanca (Instrumental) Richard Clayderman.

Alright, so the original is off the market. But what if you want to capture a piece of that vintage magic for your own home? The good news is that pianos from that era with a similar style are out there! You just need to know where to look. Our Piano Buying Guide is a great place to start your journey.

High-End Auctions

For instruments with a verifiable history or of a particularly high quality, major auction houses are the place to be.

  • Bonhams: As the seller of the main Casablanca piano, they have a proven track record with high-profile instruments.
  • Sotheby’s: The seller of the green “flashback” piano, they are another world-class option for musical memorabilia.
  • Christie’s: Another top-tier auction house that frequently handles rare and historic musical instruments.

Vintage Piano Dealers and Restorers

For those of us without a multi-million dollar budget, specialized vintage piano shops are your best bet. Look for dealers who:

  • Provide a detailed history of the instrument.
  • Have a professional restoration team.
  • Offer a warranty on their work.

Online Marketplaces

Platforms like eBay and Craigslist can be a source for vintage finds, but buyer beware! We highly recommend having any potential purchase inspected by a qualified piano technician before you commit. It could be a hidden gem or a money pit.

Video: Casablanca – May Piano cover.

Let’s talk value. The Casablanca pianos are a fascinating case study. Their astronomical auction prices—$3.4 million and $602,500—have very little to do with their intrinsic value as musical instruments. A comparable 1927 Kohler & Campbell 58-key upright without the Hollywood connection might be worth a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on its condition.

So, what creates this incredible difference in value?

  • Provenance: This is everything. The documented, unbroken chain of ownership and use in a culturally significant event is what appraisers look for.
  • Cultural Significance: Casablanca is not just a movie; it’s a cornerstone of 20th-century culture. The piano is the most recognizable prop from that film.
  • Rarity: There are only two of them. This exclusivity drives demand among high-end collectors.
  • Emotional Connection: Millions of people have a deep emotional connection to the film and its music. The piano is the physical embodiment of that connection.

If you have a vintage piano you believe might have historical value, the key is documentation. Old photos, sales receipts, letters, or any studio markings can be the difference between a charming antique and a priceless artifact. Always seek an appraisal from a certified professional who specializes in musical instruments.

🎹 Alternatives to the Casablanca Piano: Exploring Similar Vintage and Modern Models

Video: Casablanca – Piano sheet.

Feeling inspired by Sam’s piano? While you can’t buy the original, you can certainly find pianos that capture its vintage spirit and charm. Here at Piano Brands™, we love helping people find the perfect instrument. Whether you’re looking for a true antique or a modern instrument with a classic vibe, here are some fantastic options. For more direct comparisons, head over to our Piano Comparison section.

Authentic Vintage Uprights

If you want the real deal, look for upright pianos from the 1920s-1940s.

  • Kohler & Campbell: Since this is the likely manufacturer of the original, starting here makes perfect sense. Look for their older studio or console uprights.
  • Baldwin: Baldwin made some beautiful and durable uprights in this era, known for their classic American tone.
  • Wurlitzer: Famous for their spinets and consoles, a vintage Wurlitzer can provide that nostalgic, slightly honky-tonk sound.

Modern Pianos with a Vintage Look

If you want vintage style without the maintenance headaches of an antique, many modern brands offer beautiful options, including some fantastic Digital Pianos.

  • Yamaha U1: The Yamaha U1 is a legendary upright piano known for its reliability and beautiful tone. While modern, its classic upright design is timeless. Many used models are available with beautiful wood finishes that evoke a classic feel.
  • Kawai K-300 AURES2: This is a hybrid piano that combines a real acoustic upright action with digital capabilities. You can get a classic look with the ability to play silently with headphones or access different instrument sounds.
  • Roland LX700 Series: These digital pianos are designed with stunning, traditional upright cabinets that look like beautiful pieces of furniture. They offer the classic aesthetic without needing to be tuned.

👉 Shop similar styles on:

🤔 Own a Casablanca Piano? Share Your Story and Join the Community!

Video: Casablanca 1942 – As Time Goes By (original song Dooley Wilson) #music #casablanca #piano #dooley.

Okay, we know you probably don’t own the Casablanca piano. But we’re willing to bet some of you have a gorgeous vintage upright piano sitting in your home with a story all its own!

Did you inherit a piano that’s been in your family for generations? Did you find a diamond in the rough at a flea market and restore it to its former glory? We want to hear about it!

Share your stories, photos, and questions in the comments below. What kind of piano do you have? What’s its history? What kind of music do you love to play on it? Let’s create a community of vintage piano lovers and share the magic of these incredible instruments.

📚 Additional Resources and Expert Insights on Casablanca Pianos

The story of the Casablanca piano is a deep rabbit hole of Hollywood history, musicology, and high-stakes auctions. We’ve covered the essentials here, but if you’re hungry for more, we encourage you to explore further.

Our team constantly researches and writes about the world’s most fascinating instruments. For more in-depth looks at specific manufacturers and their histories, be sure to browse our Piano Brand Guides. Understanding the history of brands like Kohler & Campbell provides context for why their instruments were chosen for the film studios of the 1940s.

The key takeaway is that the Casablanca piano is a perfect storm of history, art, and emotion. It’s a reminder that an instrument can be so much more than wood and wire; it can be a vessel for our most cherished stories and memories. It truly is the stuff that dreams are made of.

🏁 Conclusion: Why the Casablanca Piano Remains a Timeless Treasure

grayscale photo of hallway with no people

After our deep dive into the Casablanca piano, it’s clear this instrument is no ordinary upright. It’s a symbol of cinematic history, cultural resonance, and musical artistry all wrapped into one beautifully painted, 58-key package. From its Moroccan-inspired design to its clever plot-driven modifications, the piano is as much a character in Casablanca as Rick or Ilsa.

Positives of the Casablanca Piano:

  • Iconic provenance and cultural significance that elevate it beyond a mere instrument.
  • Unique design elements, including the Moroccan paintwork and lid modifications.
  • Historical authenticity, with studio markings and original accessories.
  • Emotional connection through the unforgettable music it helped bring to life.

Negatives:

  • Limited musical range with only 58 keys, which restricts repertoire.
  • The piano’s age and modifications mean it’s more a collector’s piece than a concert instrument.
  • Maintenance and restoration require expert care to preserve its delicate historic finish.

Our Expert Recommendation:

If you’re a collector or a film memorabilia enthusiast, the Casablanca piano is a once-in-a-lifetime treasure. For musicians, while owning the original is practically impossible, seeking out vintage uprights or modern pianos with a similar character is a fantastic way to capture the spirit of Casablanca’s music.

And remember the mystery we teased earlier? The real pianist behind those haunting melodies was Jean Vincent Plummer, not the actor Dooley Wilson or Elliot Carpenter. Now you can impress your friends with the true story behind the music!

👉 Shop Vintage and Modern Upright Pianos:

Books About Casablanca and Film Music:

  • The Making of Casablanca by Aljean Harmetz
    Amazon Link

  • Hollywood: Legend and Reality (Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Catalog)
    Amazon Link

  • La decoration Marocaine by Joseph de La Nézière (for Moroccan design inspiration)
    Amazon Link

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Casablanca Pianos

How much is the most expensive piano?

The most expensive piano ever sold is the Casablanca piano used in the film, which fetched $3.4 million at Bonham’s auction in 2014. This price reflects its historical and cultural significance rather than its musical qualities. For comparison, other high-end pianos by Steinway or Bösendorfer typically sell for hundreds of thousands, but rarely reach the multimillion-dollar mark unless tied to celebrity provenance.

Who really played the piano in Casablanca?

The piano performances in Casablanca were primarily played by Jean Vincent Plummer, a studio pianist hired by Warner Bros. Dooley Wilson, who portrayed Sam, was a drummer and mimed playing the piano on screen. Elliot Carpenter, another pianist, recorded versions of the songs with Wilson for commercial release but did not perform on the film’s soundtrack. This was confirmed by detailed research from the American Federation of Musicians Local 47 and forensic musicologists. Read more here.

What piano was used in Casablanca?

The main piano in Casablanca is believed to be a 1927 Kohler & Campbell 58-key studio upright piano, modified with a detachable lid and painted with Moroccan designs. It bears the label of Richardson’s of Los Angeles and the “FNP” (First National Pictures) stamp, linking it directly to Warner Bros. studios.

What type of piano was used in the movie Casablanca?

The piano was a “studio” upright piano with 58 keys, smaller than a standard 88-key piano. This type was common for studio use due to its portability and compact size. Its unique modifications and Moroccan paintwork made it a perfect fit for the film’s exotic café setting.

How can I achieve the classic Casablanca piano sound on a digital piano?

To emulate the Casablanca piano sound on a digital piano, look for instruments with:

  • Honky-tonk or upright piano voice presets that replicate the bright, slightly percussive tone of a smaller upright.
  • Adjustable touch sensitivity to capture the intimate, gentle playing style heard in the film.
  • Reverb and room simulation effects to mimic the ambiance of Rick’s Café.

Models like the Roland LX700 series or Kawai K-300 AURES2 hybrid offer excellent upright piano voices and customizable settings to get close to that vintage vibe.

What are the best acoustic pianos for playing vintage movie soundtracks like Casablanca?

For authentic vintage soundtracks, upright pianos from the 1920s to 1940s are ideal. Brands like Kohler & Campbell, Baldwin, and Wurlitzer produced instruments with the tonal character perfect for ragtime, jazz, and early 20th-century popular music. If you want a modern piano with vintage warmth, the Yamaha U1 is a reliable choice with a classic upright tone.

Are there digital pianos that replicate the tone of the piano in Casablanca?

Yes! Digital pianos with high-quality upright piano samples and advanced modeling technology can replicate the Casablanca piano’s tone. The Roland LX700 series and Kawai K-300 AURES2 hybrid piano combine authentic acoustic action with digital sound engines that include honky-tonk and upright piano tones. These models also allow you to tweak effects and touch response to closely mimic the original’s intimate sound.

We hope you enjoyed this journey through the history, mystery, and magic of the Casablanca piano. Whether you’re a collector, player, or cinephile, this instrument reminds us all of the power of music and storytelling combined. 🎹✨

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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One comment

  1. I missed buying it by minutes for $850 when the studio was selling all the Casablanca props. I went to pay for it but was told it was just sold and didn’t have time to put the sold sign on it

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