Search found 78 matches

by jackg
26 Dec 2013, 11:35
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: room damping
Replies: 2
Views: 6127

room damping

Is there a way of reducing the reflected noise a piano makes in a room? Carpets or drapes on the walls or similar or are there noise damping products to use? It is an upright Grotrian Steinweg 130. The room was a garage so 18x10 converted into accommodation. The piano is halfway along the long wall....
by jackg
30 Sep 2010, 20:54
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 5 theory
Replies: 9
Views: 12387

Grade 5 theory

Advice please for studying grade 5 theory near Bristol. I have read through and done most of the exercises in grades 1-4 theory books and some of G5, I also have Eric Taylors book. I can continue to work through the G5 theory book but not sure if I need any external help, I guess my teacher would ma...
by jackg
14 Aug 2010, 23:33
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New or restored piano?
Replies: 24
Views: 23506

Re: New or restored piano?

by jackg
27 Aug 2009, 22:47
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: upright yamaha u1 or kawai ku-2b
Replies: 2
Views: 6479

Re: upright yamaha u1 or kawai ku-2b

You certainly need help.
by jackg
17 Jun 2009, 17:27
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice re reconditioned U1 or U3 PLEASE
Replies: 10
Views: 16043

Re: Advice re reconditioned U1 or U3 PLEASE

This may help: http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-forums/viewtopic.php?t=3754&highlight=million Contact your local tuners and technicians to see if they know of any for sale. Go slowly and take care. Sadly pianoguy doe not post here anymore. If you do buy refurbished secondhand, take an independent t...
by jackg
14 May 2009, 17:33
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice re first piano purchase
Replies: 24
Views: 24925

Re: Advice re first piano purchase

I would go through the piano tuners in your local yellow pages to see what they know. If a customer wants to sell a piano, they often mention it to their tuner. The tuner will have contacts in the trade as well. Get all the details of any piano offered (make, serial, age, height and any work done) a...
by jackg
13 Mar 2009, 16:33
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Restoring an old piano of unknown quality
Replies: 2
Views: 4949

Re: Restoring an old piano of unknown quality

I would put some advert up shop window or in your local comics saying young girl wants piano (lay it on a bit). There are a surprising number of pianos lying unused in people homes, if they see its going to be put to good use instead of dealer margins you may get something worthwhile for £200 or so....
by jackg
01 Jan 2009, 13:42
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New U1 for GBP3,999 from Dawsons - catch?
Replies: 25
Views: 26357

Preparation is action regulation and voicing, or should be. Adjusting each note and its mechanism to perform exactly as it should. Voicing is sticking fine needles into each hammer felt or doping each hammer felt to adjust the sound of each note, softer with needles and brighter with dope. If it is ...
by jackg
04 Dec 2008, 21:37
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Piano Case Refinishing
Replies: 11
Views: 13901

I would get the advice of a local French Polisher before doing any more. Yellow pages or local piano tuners know of FPs somewhere. May cost you £20 for his advice. If you have stripped it you could use Danish oil instead of FP. Almost as nice. Have you worked out how long this will take you? Fish gl...
by jackg
16 Nov 2008, 18:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: U1 buying advice
Replies: 3
Views: 6699

Your is a frequent question, this thread may help you to decide.

http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-forums/vi ... ht=million
by jackg
06 Sep 2008, 18:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: bushing felt needs re-doing
Replies: 8
Views: 11612

The front pins are flatted on two sides which means you can turn them to take up slack. But use a device that does not mark them, eg well fitting spanner, but not a pair of pliers, the marks will remove more bushing cloth.
by jackg
17 Aug 2008, 21:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Not about pianos...computers!
Replies: 7
Views: 6940

if you go to www.crucial.com and key in your motherboard, maker and model the web site offers to sell you different types of RAM which will work in your motherboard. So you can check whether what you bought should work in your MOBO (motherboard). And its probably cheaper than from shop and better qu...
by jackg
29 Jun 2008, 15:08
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Key buffing
Replies: 4
Views: 7007

Key buffing

For my 1924 Grotrian upright. The keys are slighly yellow and I would like to remove as much yellow and then buff them. I had used a green abrasive crockery cleaner pad before which worked well, but I will need to get some buffing wheels and soap to polish them. I can probably use a mates wheel but ...
by jackg
15 May 2008, 17:21
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bechstein Rebuilders
Replies: 12
Views: 14917

Barry Caradine in suffolk: www.caradine.co.uk Phil Taylor in Nottingham: www.pianos4me.co.uk although I am unconvinced by his argument for shimming soundboards to restore the crown. www.Cheltenham-piano-centre.co.uk Ex Bluthner personnel: http://www.pianorestorations.co.uk/ Clapped out Bechsteins go...
by jackg
09 May 2008, 19:37
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Repolishing a frand piano
Replies: 1
Views: 4193

I would ask a few tuners who they know locally who does any French polishing, usually there are not too many people who French polish pianos. Always get more than one price even if you are completely happy with one persons advice, you just never know. A minimalist approach was advised to me, ie remo...
by jackg
08 May 2008, 16:51
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Regulating brightness
Replies: 8
Views: 11690

Hammers are voiced with a voicing tool to tone them down or doped to brighten the sound can be adjusted to suit the room. The tech took the action away with him to work on. the hammers are removed and refaced in a group of say 10 ish I think. I would advise getting an opinion from a local tech or tw...
by jackg
07 May 2008, 21:49
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Regulating brightness
Replies: 8
Views: 11690

If the hammers are worn, it may be you are getting an uneven line contact between the hammer and each string instead of a point contact, so it could be the problem. One part of the hammer hits the string then another part hits it not so heavily and acts as a damper. I had the hammers on my upright p...
by jackg
16 Apr 2008, 13:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Polish rebuilds
Replies: 22
Views: 24213

Re: Polish rebuilds

jackg. Your referenced website tells me nothing. Calling Poles "monkeys" is gratuitously offensive. The few I have met are hardworking decent people. I asked for informed comment from people with direct experience of the subject. My point was that talking directly to restorers is usually ...
by jackg
15 Apr 2008, 10:23
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Polish rebuilds
Replies: 22
Views: 24213

by jackg
31 Mar 2008, 09:33
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: What to do what to do!
Replies: 12
Views: 15589

His dog drives him. :lol:
by jackg
29 Mar 2008, 00:05
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: What to do what to do!
Replies: 12
Views: 15589

The pictures suggest a well worn piano, the dampers are well worn and the case would cost £600- 800 to make it look nice assuming it is French Polished. You can buy a new Chinese piano for £1500. The economics of restoration paying skilled English worker £25 per hour does not compare with labour rat...
by jackg
28 Mar 2008, 21:18
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: What to do what to do!
Replies: 12
Views: 15589

It is worth very little, 50 pence or a muppet may buy it on ebay for £1.50 and have to pay for it to be moved. It is not a reknown make. Ask your local piano shop for an assessment. What ever you spend on it you will lose. Tune it and play it if you like the sound.
by jackg
23 Mar 2008, 17:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Piano Tuning fees in the UK
Replies: 41
Views: 31692

South Gloucestershire, north Bristol First tuner I employed charged me £50 took two hours, lives in Bristol, 12miles away Technician-tuner I used the once charged me £40 he is very good, 8 miles away Current tuner colleague of the tech charges £38, takes an hour and is very good. 6 miles away. These...
by jackg
08 Mar 2008, 21:21
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Humphreys London piano
Replies: 8
Views: 13737

I thought Humphrey was the cat resident at 10 Downing Street, I never knew you could call a piano Humphrey.
It could have been confusing at no.10 if the piano was called Humphrey as well as the cat.
"I am just going to play Humphrey."
"Eek," says the cat.
by jackg
25 Feb 2008, 15:18
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: First-time piano buyer
Replies: 1
Views: 4063

Pianos wear out over time and require restoration after 30 -40 years depending on use. They are not investments. Baby grands are best avoided, the bass strings are shorter than an upright and so do not sound as good. A grand usually has to be longer than 5 foot 8" to have longer bass strings th...
by jackg
20 Feb 2008, 20:34
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Rachmaninov had big hands
Replies: 7
Views: 11277

Rachmaninov had big hands

by jackg
12 Feb 2008, 10:23
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Making Bass Strings
Replies: 7
Views: 8319

by jackg
11 Feb 2008, 14:41
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Decisons. decisions, decisions - help!!
Replies: 1
Views: 3895

Ask local tuners, they may know of something for sale.
You can get lucky in small ads or auctions but you need to know what you are doing.
Knight K10 or 30 year old Kemble as you say are nice. Try some in shops before. Get a tuners opinion before you buy.
by jackg
07 Feb 2008, 22:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: only a small percentage of new pianos are well made
Replies: 9
Views: 13959

string scaling which make the whole thing sound like a donkey pissing on a tin shack roof.

Class :lol:

I fall about laughing when I read some of your comments, they really are so fantastically derogatory, as well as being wonderfully informative.

You should get these comments published.
by jackg
06 Feb 2008, 10:38
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Uneasy about Bohemia 132 quote
Replies: 3
Views: 4747

Can this cretin be deleted please, he is advertising.
by jackg
04 Feb 2008, 10:31
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: what to get????
Replies: 4
Views: 4554

If you contact your local school or concert venue to ask them for the phone number of their piano tuner. Then if you phone the tuner(s), as he is in the trade he may know of a piano for sale or can advise which models to consider or who to ask, and may offer to look over a piano for you. There is pl...
by jackg
30 Jan 2008, 11:26
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: For retiree
Replies: 1
Views: 2607

Ever thought of offering a payment for your advertising?
by jackg
29 Jan 2008, 16:16
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Recondition or purchase a new piano
Replies: 5
Views: 8702

Some thoughts on Danemann grands are here: http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-forums/pi ... t=danemann

A second opinion may help, perhaps ask schools or teachers or concert venues for their tuners phone number.
by jackg
23 Jan 2008, 17:41
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Radical 'Stewart' Piano
Replies: 1
Views: 4338

by jackg
09 Jan 2008, 19:48
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: anyone know a good restorer?
Replies: 2
Views: 4466

If you can tell us the make and length of it we could give better advice. Pianos are like cars, they wear out with use but some were better made than others.
You may be better contacting a local tuner for his or her assessment than on here which can only be generic advice.
by jackg
08 Jan 2008, 17:05
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: ernst kaps upright piano
Replies: 19
Views: 27264

what would a collector pay for a priceless antique piano such as this model....any ideas?

I've got this jar of vintage chutney to swap if you're interested.
by jackg
27 Nov 2007, 22:22
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bosendorfer!
Replies: 22
Views: 20176

From the 6th paragraph Bösendorfer was bought by a Viennese bank when, five years ago, it appeared that Bösendorfer would be sold to the American guitar specialist Gibson. Now, Bawag, the Austrian bank, is keen to dispose of the loss-making business, which sells only 200 pianos a year. Last paragrap...
by jackg
01 Oct 2007, 21:13
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buying a used piano- where to start help
Replies: 7
Views: 11581

Look in Loot for Chappell, Daneman, Knight, Challen maybe, Rogers also. Mid 70s piano will be less worn than one from the mid 30s but there are some nice old pianos about. Overstrung and underdamped. Take a tuner you trust with you. Pianos wear out with use. First piano I bought was a 1930 Chappell ...
by jackg
18 Sep 2007, 19:33
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bechstein
Replies: 10
Views: 11761

Reading your post gives me the impression you are in the USA, more local info would suit you better if that is so. There is a Yankee web site which would offer more accurate info than this UK based one. www.pianoworld.com. You really need a detailed breakdown of the work that has been done. EG Has t...
by jackg
31 Jul 2007, 12:08
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha Piano
Replies: 3
Views: 6471

Use the search button on this site with Yamaha U1 as the query.
Serial numbers above 4 million are prefered. Pianos wear out with use.
by jackg
18 Jul 2007, 11:27
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: humidity
Replies: 4
Views: 7150

humidity

This wet weather has left a lot of mosture in the air, much more so than in a normal summer (whatever that is). The humidity meter in the kitchen has been between 65 and 75% for the past two to three weeks. Even with the windows open it does not reduce it by much. It makes me wonder what effect it i...
by jackg
17 Jul 2007, 23:07
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: To re-polish or not
Replies: 3
Views: 5958

Thanks both for your thoughts. I m looking at it soley from my perspective, rather than from any buyers perspective.
I will advertise it.
Ta
by jackg
17 Jul 2007, 10:04
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: To re-polish or not
Replies: 3
Views: 5958

To re-polish or not

For a 1920 upright Chappell, OS/UD. I am thinking of getting it tied up by a French polisher at a cost of £250-300. I then want to sell it, and probably will not get more than £5-600 for it. The action could do with renovating as well, recentreing etc I am not sure whether to stump up the funds and ...
by jackg
02 Jun 2007, 14:46
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Upright rebuild or partial job?
Replies: 17
Views: 18649

A tech refurbished the action. He took the action away with him to do, so no transportation of the piano. The work he did included; Recentred the hammers. Reshaped the hammers. New backtouch cloth and the levelling and buffing of the keys. New tapes, hammer repetition springs, check leathers. He rep...
by jackg
01 Jun 2007, 09:41
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Erard grand in Colorado
Replies: 3
Views: 5362

I would ask the same question on http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi
They would advise you of the nearest tuner technician, to give you an assessment based on inspection.
It will not be cheap.
by jackg
30 May 2007, 10:47
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Erard piano
Replies: 1
Views: 2891

A few posts of interest. Get more than one opinion. http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-forums/piano1599.html&highlight=rebuild http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-forums/viewtopic.php?t=3939&highlight=rebuild http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-forums/viewtopic.php?t=3918&highlight=rebuild http://www.uk-...
by jackg
29 Apr 2007, 13:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: 1974 Model D on Ebay UK
Replies: 7
Views: 9845

I have seen it advertised on another piano web site for the past few months, maybe he is getting desparate? There is also a 1934 Bluthner baby grand starting bid 800 squids, no bidders yet. Described as good but not perfect. In response to questions: It is in his Mothers house who is too ill to allo...