The Hicks pattern of street piano was so popular that other firms copied the design. One of the Hicks family, John had a workshop in London and this may be why sometimes it is believed that the production of barrel pianos originated in London, One of the first prominent German manufacturers was Welte, originally from Vöhrenbach in the Black Forest.
The popularity of the Hicks street piano design led other companies to copy its style. John Hicks, a member of the family, had a workshop in London, which may explain why some believe barrel piano production originated there. One of the first prominent German manufacturers was Welte, originally from Vöhrenbach in the Black Forest.