Steinway Musical Instruments Inc. reported first quarter results that included a drop in sales and net income.

The parent company of Conn-Selmer, based in Elkhart, Ind., posted net sales of $70 million for the opening quarter of 2009, down 26 percent from the $94.2 million recorded during the same period in 2008. Also net income slipped 49 percent to $1 million in 2009 from $2 million the year prior.

Dana Messina, Steinway chief executive officer, blamed the results on the "dreadful" economic climate for the company's products.

Band instrument sales for the quarter was $33 million was down 17 percent from $39.5 million. Piano sales also fell 32 percent to $37.3 million from $54.7 million.