<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=5><B>Baldwin Piano & Organ Co. Announces Intent to Reorganize Under Chapter 11 of
<BR>The United States Bankruptcy Code
<BR>
<BR></FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0"></B>
<BR>MASON, Ohio, May 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Baldwin Piano & Organ Company today
<BR>announced its intent to file for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of
<BR>the United States Bankruptcy Code. Previously, the Company announced on
<BR>April 24, 2001, a liquidity squeeze that was having a negative impact on the
<BR>Company. Subsequently, Baldwin hired Robert Jones as the new chief executive
<BR>officer and announced that Kenneth W. Pavia was elected chairman of the board
<BR>of directors.
<BR>
<BR>In a statement, Pavia said that while he had full confidence in Jones and his
<BR>ability to return the Company to profitability, the liquidity squeeze coupled
<BR>with certain legacy issues made the operation of Baldwin, as presently
<BR>defined, virtually impossible.
<BR>
<BR>Pavia commented, "The legacy of past management makes the day-to-day
<BR>operations of our core business impossible. Disproportionate severance
<BR>agreements, excessive inventory, excess administrative expenses in relation
<BR>to historical Company performance, internal control issues, executive
<BR>compensation arrangements that seem to exceed reasonable standards, and an
<BR>extensive list of substantial payables are some examples of the factors we
<BR>can not overcome."
<BR>
<BR>"Other factors that led to our decision to file for protection," Pavia added,
<BR>"included unduly burdensome lease arrangements entered into under past
<BR>administrations, restrictive borrowing arrangements with our lender, and the
<BR>inability to secure concessions in regard to our liquidity crisis."
<BR>
<BR>"The dealers, factory personnel, and the new management deserve the
<BR>opportunity to bring Baldwin back to its glory without the added pressure of
<BR>past mismanagement," Pavia emphasized. "All attempts to resolve this matter
<BR>informally were explored and given due consideration. Unfortunately, the
<BR>pressures caused by the lack of liquidity and the demand of our creditors,
<BR>including prior management's demand for the immediate payment under certain
<BR>change of control agreements, made any recovery impossible. In the end, for
<BR>the benefit of all concerned, including our shareholders, a formal, orderly
<BR>reorganization became the only viable alternative."
<BR>
<BR>In a statement, Jones said that he looked forward to leading the Company out
<BR>of bankruptcy and working diligently to restore the Baldwin name and maintain
<BR>the Company's relationship with its dealers and customers. He continued,
<BR>"Despite being CEO for only three weeks, I am convinced that the personnel at
<BR>our factories have the ability, desire, and loyalty to make quality pianos
<BR>and achieve enhanced values. I firmly believe that the Baldwin name stands
<BR>for our loyal employees and dealers. With their continued support and the
<BR>implementation of our strategic plan, Baldwin can return to profitability
<BR>within a relatively short period."
<BR>
<BR>Baldwin Piano & Organ Company, the maker of America's best selling pianos,
<BR>has marketed keyboard musical products for over 140 years.
<BR>
<BR>"Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
<BR>1995: This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to
<BR>risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the impact of
<BR>competitive products and pricing, product demand and market acceptance,
<BR>reliance on key strategic alliances, fluctuation in operating results and
<BR>other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's filings with the
<BR>Securities and Exchange Commission.
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>Bill Bremmer RPT
<BR>Madison, Wisconsin</FONT></HTML>