Carl Bechstein (1826–1900), born in the Thuringian town of Gotha {see, respectively, planets  (934) and  (1346)}, founded a piano factory in Berlin in 1853. His instruments were used by Liszt {see planet  (3910)}, Bülow, Rubinstein and Wagner {see planet  (3992)}. Branches of his factory in London, Paris and St. Petersburg testify to the esteem in which Bechstein’s instruments are held. (M 38200) _ _.