Search found 1704 matches

by Colin Nicholson
02 Feb 2016, 00:42
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Broadwood piano
Replies: 21
Views: 26355

Re: Broadwood piano

Looking at the inside main front panel (and window joints), this looks original, properly joined and oak nicely sanded & stained to match the front which is veneered.... BUT! .... 3rd photo up of the canvas square panel/ section of wood above - this just looks like ordinary 'box standard' timber...
by Colin Nicholson
01 Feb 2016, 18:59
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Broadwood piano
Replies: 21
Views: 26355

Re: Broadwood piano

Yes, an attractive piano.... hope it stays in tune for a reasonable length of time. If those canvass backgrounds (material) are original, my word, they look in incredible condition for their age.... I would have thought these may have been originally crimson silk screens on fret work, or some kind o...
by Colin Nicholson
23 Jan 2016, 19:10
Forum: Digital Pianos
Topic: Digital piano Korg LP-380 vs. Yamaha YDP-52S
Replies: 3
Views: 16365

Re: Digital piano Korg LP-380 vs. Yamaha YDP-52S

That's fine, any decent digital with weighted keys is ok for that age. After a couple of years (if still learning), your daughter will develop her touch on the piano, and also require the sustain pedal. Digital pianos ok for starter pedalling (for legato pedalling), but no good for advanced playing....
by Colin Nicholson
21 Jan 2016, 12:30
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice on Boyd Piano
Replies: 7
Views: 15546

Re: Advice on Boyd Piano

I agree whole heartedly Vernon.... a straight forward piano name sometimes changes design & font.... but this piano seems to be a piano maker + plumber combined! :) and of course your viz would include their name replicated somewhere on the frame, even if modified.
by Colin Nicholson
20 Jan 2016, 11:52
Forum: Digital Pianos
Topic: Digital piano Korg LP-380 vs. Yamaha YDP-52S
Replies: 3
Views: 16365

Re: Digital piano Korg LP-380 vs. Yamaha YDP-52S

What age is your daughter, and is she a beginner at piano?
by Colin Nicholson
20 Jan 2016, 10:57
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice on Boyd Piano
Replies: 7
Views: 15546

Re: Advice on Boyd Piano

I might be wrong here, but it seems like the piano has already been bought and delivered? (in relation to "I am buying" - future tense) .... doesn't really look like an Antiques shop.... with new laminated flooring, looks more like the room/ nice apartment the piano is situated in now.... ...
by Colin Nicholson
20 Jan 2016, 03:40
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice on Boyd Piano
Replies: 7
Views: 15546

Re: Advice on Boyd Piano

The grand piano name appears to be a fake. Not sure why someone would want to copy a Boyd London... it all looks wrong. Here is a genuine "Boyd London" piano (and genuine decal). See photo below. Note the style of lettering, and the letters 'O' leaning to the left.... all correct. Also, ju...
by Colin Nicholson
19 Jan 2016, 20:55
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice on Boyd Piano
Replies: 7
Views: 15546

Re: Advice on Boyd Piano

A nice looking piano, but looks can be deceptive. It looks late 1800s (square octagonal legs), and at first glance, I would be suspicious about the so ornate name on the fallboard. This could be a water or varnish gummed decal added after the piano was re-polished. Boyd London are heard of, but no h...
by Colin Nicholson
18 Jan 2016, 02:16
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Keeping a piano in a van - mobile piano teacher!
Replies: 4
Views: 7671

Re: Keeping a piano in a van - mobile piano teacher!

Might sound "Silence of the Lambs" (ish) .... when someone is packed into the back of a transit? .... I would keep your dignity and just tell them they must eventually buy a piano to have lessons.... even a digital piano would be OK for starters. If you are that busy, why bother? Gill is s...
by Colin Nicholson
18 Jan 2016, 01:58
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Beadle & Langbein piano
Replies: 44
Views: 61055

Re: Beadle & Langbein piano

Bill/ Gill/ Moderator team.... This is just a suggestion.... with the huge number of enquiries asking about piano history & information with no photos, incorrect or alleged/ guessed serial numbers, wording just copied from a piano lid or label, "can you tell me anything about this piano?&qu...
by Colin Nicholson
16 Jan 2016, 19:00
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Bell piano
Replies: 3
Views: 6820

Re: Bell piano

This might be useful ... http://www.pumporganrestorations.com/bell_pump_organ_company.htm There is a list of "serial numbers" on here at the footer, but you would need to have the serial number verified and photographed on your organ and passed onto an organ specialist (who deals or retail...
by Colin Nicholson
13 Jan 2016, 08:36
Forum: Piano History
Topic: C. Bechstein piano
Replies: 2
Views: 5206

Re: C. Bechstein piano

lori72 wrote:If anyone can tell me what those numbers mean would appreciate it.

Thanks
Assuming an upright piano?

The following may be useful to trace the serial number; Bechstein uprights usually near location 3 .... rubber stamped in black ink.

http://www.aatuners.com/serial-number.html
by Colin Nicholson
12 Jan 2016, 15:50
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Elcke 33612
Replies: 18
Views: 18927

Re: Elcke 33612

I don't think the above "Erard" is a genuine Erard of Paris of any description, and probably a deception to make it look like Erard. Few reasons.... see image below; with me working closely with an Erard grand last year, even though I have seen some Erards without the scrolling around the ...
by Colin Nicholson
12 Jan 2016, 10:21
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Elcke 33612
Replies: 18
Views: 18927

Re: Elcke 33612

Jodyb // Erard upright piano Having blinked a few times looking at the brass inlaid name, I suspect this may be a fake. It looks like "Errard" ?? (with 2 rs)..... the photo has a glare which is difficult to see, and has no scrolls.... lettering and style doesn't look right. The piano cabin...
by Colin Nicholson
11 Jan 2016, 19:03
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Princess Piano
Replies: 5
Views: 9049

Re: Princess Piano

NewAge.... Sorry, but couldn't resist doing this! .... just for fun done on my "sketch pad" web for ideas. http://eggzamples.weebly.com/ A lot of people tend to relate history to valuation as though they go hand in hand.... bit like Antiques Roadshow. After some history is talked about etc...
by Colin Nicholson
11 Jan 2016, 09:54
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Valuing a Piano for Insurance purposes
Replies: 4
Views: 7985

Re: Valuing a Piano for Insurance purposes

Liz, How I read this is that you require a valuation for your piano ONLY for a piano removal company? .... is that right? If so, I think the removal company just need a rough temporary figure, so they are covered on their liability insurance. Some companies have liability for around £2Million. If yo...
by Colin Nicholson
11 Jan 2016, 02:52
Forum: Piano History
Topic: J.Claypole and Son
Replies: 5
Views: 10037

Re: J.Claypole and Son

Regardless of value and selling price (which are two different things), I think the fact that its over 100 years old might send alarm bells ringing.... unless the piano was just for ornamental use or generally for "knocking out" the odd tune. If the piano had been refurbished inside at som...
by Colin Nicholson
07 Jan 2016, 18:36
Forum: Piano Showcase
Topic: Arabian Piano Music
Replies: 4
Views: 12963

Re: Arabian Piano Music

Some aspects of the music/ tone is good, and has a natural feel to it. As Gill suggests, some of your pedalling needs care, not only using legato pedalling to join the leaps, but more changes of pedal needed during changes of harmony. On occasions, your phrasing needs care - there seems to be an acc...
by Colin Nicholson
06 Jan 2016, 09:49
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Am I playing the F scale right?
Replies: 4
Views: 12712

Re: Am I playing the F scale right?

Time to change teachers if getting the basics wrong!!. F major right hand (only) never uses the 5th finger, for any amount of octaves. Gill correctly shows fingers for one octave ascending. Buy the ABRSM scales and broken chords - Grade 1, has it in there. Not to be confused with the broken chord wh...
by Colin Nicholson
06 Jan 2016, 09:17
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Should I add ground to my Wurlitzer?
Replies: 1
Views: 4008

Re: Should I add ground to my Wurlitzer?

In the UK here, we refer to appliances being EARTHED.... which is common sense really.
I'm not an electrician, but would probably start with the earth connection...... :?
by Colin Nicholson
05 Jan 2016, 03:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: What model/year is my Kemble?
Replies: 25
Views: 31218

Re: What model/year is my Kemble?

I think this may be the post from 2012 ....

http://www.piano-tuners.org/piano-forum ... f=3&t=9763
by Colin Nicholson
03 Jan 2016, 17:46
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: What model/year is my Kemble?
Replies: 25
Views: 31218

Re: What model/year is my Kemble?

chrisw wrote that, not me! :)
by Colin Nicholson
03 Jan 2016, 09:20
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: What model/year is my Kemble?
Replies: 25
Views: 31218

Re: What model/year is my Kemble?

You may be interested in this..... Here are the list of serial numbers matching their year dates for Kemble from 1930 to 2000. Other information/ history also available here on the web >> http://kemble-pianos.com/en/information/serials/ If you ring the shop, they should be able to tell you the seria...
by Colin Nicholson
02 Jan 2016, 11:18
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: What model/year is my Kemble?
Replies: 25
Views: 31218

Re: What model/year is my Kemble?

Hi David If this Kemble has a model name, it should be shown and printed on the front of the piano, or inside. If not, usually referred to as a 'console' piano. Some retailers refer to them as a "Kemble Classic", but I have never found any evidence of this wording. The 'compact' may refer ...
by Colin Nicholson
28 Dec 2015, 10:13
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Pianos by Squire and by Karnock
Replies: 4
Views: 7635

Re: Pianos by Squire and by Karnock

We often find that first-time lookers for a serial number usually results in just opening the top lid, then finding some punched numbers (with letters) embossed into the side panel top - numbers facing the ceiling? These are usually stock numbers, but have been found on occasions to be the serial nu...
by Colin Nicholson
20 Dec 2015, 07:47
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Early Bluthner Boudoir - a good purchase?
Replies: 10
Views: 15980

Re: Early Bluthner Boudoir - a good purchase?

Good to hear from you. Yes, I remember this post about 2 months ago.... some of it sketchy. I received a PM from 'Nuttysmallholder' shortly after, (sounded a very nice person) and was informed the Bluthner was within striking distance from my area. I saw the video of the piano being played (somethin...
by Colin Nicholson
12 Dec 2015, 15:18
Forum: Piano History
Topic: J.B.Cramer & Co Piano - Age
Replies: 8
Views: 13976

Re: J.B.Cramer & Co Piano - Age

If you need to remove the mechanism for clues, I would recommend only to recline it forward, but still resting on the key capstans, so the bridle tapes are not under any strain. Looking at the first set of images (photo 1), the bridle tape leather tips look very weak and possibly perished (where joi...
by Colin Nicholson
09 Dec 2015, 11:34
Forum: Piano History
Topic: J.B.Cramer & Co Piano - Age
Replies: 8
Views: 13976

Re: JB Cramer Piano & Co Piano - Age

Possibly 1870s .....
Looks a nice piano, but sometimes, beauty + age does not equate to value
Internal workings are over-damped (bird cage action)
Keep fingers crossed it can be 'roughly' tuned by a piano tuner... if not, would make a nice piece of furniture.
by Colin Nicholson
09 Dec 2015, 02:52
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bechstein upright strung back
Replies: 6
Views: 8409

Re: Bechstein upright strung back

Could be a model IV? .... just a guess. One thing worth keeping are some of the damper flanges, especially if the springs are pushed through the top of the flange, and crimped underneath - a bit like those "shoe laced" hammer butt springs.... I made a few a couple of years ago from new fla...
by Colin Nicholson
09 Dec 2015, 02:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Which piano to choose
Replies: 1
Views: 3468

Re: Which piano to choose

Hi Some of your terminology and wording is a little confusing. Firstly, there is no such thing as a 'free' piano.... you will always pay the ultimate price later. You mention you are deciding among "3 upright pianos", but the 2nd and 3rd pianos are grands? What does "Apartment" s...
by Colin Nicholson
08 Dec 2015, 16:33
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Bechstein Info please
Replies: 2
Views: 5218

Re: Bechstein Info please

If you are interested, see my Bechstein portfolio/ blog about a recent Bechstein upright I refurbished recently, showing various parts and materials and some casework repairs to the veneer. This is a Model 10 - dated 1907 in Rosewood, oblique strung and under-damped. At the footer of the page is a Y...
by Colin Nicholson
06 Dec 2015, 01:37
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bechstein upright strung back
Replies: 6
Views: 8409

Re: Bechstein upright strung back

OUCH! .... sounds painful.
Was just 'original' sconces I am after for a model 10 customer; brackets still on, but sconces were nicked.
Said to him I would keep an eye open.
Might be an idea to keep some spare agraffes/ stickers if fitted.... I don't need any, but sometimes tricky to find. :D
by Colin Nicholson
06 Dec 2015, 01:22
Forum: Piano History
Topic: B Squire and Son upright
Replies: 5
Views: 12012

Re: B Squire and Son upright

Value very little due to age and oblong pins.... best remove those images as they show up rust and bashed in pins. Might be best to take a photo with flash, to show up finish better. Try advertising on Ebay (need to register and have a PayPal account)/ OR: Try Gumtree - free to register and free to ...
by Colin Nicholson
05 Dec 2015, 13:22
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bechstein upright strung back
Replies: 6
Views: 8409

Re: Bechstein upright strung back

Does it have original sconces & brackets/ fixtures ?
by Colin Nicholson
04 Dec 2015, 16:14
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Elcke 33612
Replies: 18
Views: 18927

Re: Elcke 33612

I think I followed it with "estimated" .... purely for the purpose of history experts!.... and anyone having no information at all. Not all info in that book is accurate - we know - but might suffice for now! Of course, any piano with an heirloom/ deep provenance / top brand name etc would...
by Colin Nicholson
04 Dec 2015, 12:00
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Elcke 33612
Replies: 18
Views: 18927

Re: Elcke 33612

There is some general information about Elcke in my trusty Pierce piano handbook that may be of interest to you. Dates/ years may be estimated. Established in 1846. Factory address 47 Rue de Babylone, Paris, France. Manufactured nearly 44,000 pianos - company ceased around 1975 (serial numbers &...
by Colin Nicholson
04 Dec 2015, 11:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: an old LANGBEIN on the other side of the world
Replies: 4
Views: 7182

Re: an old LANGBEIN on the other side of the world

If you copy & paste your wording into the "Piano History" section, under a new heading - Bill might be able to give you some more information. Yes, Beale and Langbein are in the book, but no dates.... just "London, England". (The book was written in New Mexico, USA). The name...
by Colin Nicholson
03 Dec 2015, 12:31
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: an old LANGBEIN on the other side of the world
Replies: 4
Views: 7182

Re: an old LANGBEIN on the other side of the world

Welcome Phil.... By the time some people have reached this forum, they have no hair left, deep scratch marks on their face and need medical attention to convince them that their treasured piano is just an " unknown wooden box with strings and hammers" ..... do you want me to book you in? :...
by Colin Nicholson
03 Dec 2015, 02:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: YU3 versus YUS3 etc
Replies: 3
Views: 6970

Re: YU3 versus YUS3 etc

Welcome to the forum...... that's more like the post we want to see! Yamaha are a solid and good brand, but only if previously well looked after. I'm not convinced about the price of the 2001 piano.... seems a bit steep and paying for OLD extra electrics..... mmm.... check availability of a new PCB?...
by Colin Nicholson
01 Dec 2015, 18:49
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: YU3 versus YUS3 etc
Replies: 3
Views: 6970

Re: YU3 versus YUS3 etc

There is quite a lot to read here.
Please could you condense/ edit your post to the most relevant parts, and convert all prices into UK Sterling.
Thanks.
by Colin Nicholson
24 Nov 2015, 20:46
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Costa action
Replies: 2
Views: 6079

Re: Costa action

I have a few new costa springs - 48mm / RH coil.... but want to keep most of them for spares myself.... able to post the odd one or 2. No action parts. Best bet is to contact your local piano shop next time they skip one.... might be a S&L.
:)
by Colin Nicholson
15 Nov 2015, 13:27
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice on used Iverson & Pond piano
Replies: 2
Views: 4336

Re: Advice on used Iverson & Pond piano

Many posts like this go unanswered, quite common, and our information provided is done in our own time and no one is paid to answer questions - done for the love of it! The first 2 photos seems to have been taken by the seller? .... presumably to show the cabinet damage when selling. Image 1: Mouldi...
by Colin Nicholson
14 Nov 2015, 01:39
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice on used Iverson & Pond piano
Replies: 2
Views: 4336

Re: Advice on used Iverson & Pond piano

Welcome.... Some general advice. Best to send us the website link of the whole piano/ advert (Ebay?) .... Please check the spelling.... I think you meant IVERS & POND - (look at fallboard for name) We can only offer little help if you choose not to look at the piano face to face or engage with i...
by Colin Nicholson
14 Nov 2015, 01:26
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Monington and Weston
Replies: 2
Views: 4207

Re: Monington and Weston

I think the only 8 octave is a Bosendorfer grand - 97 keys.... my colleague has the 92 key but as Vernon says, Monington never made an 8ve. M&W would not be responsible at all for the dodgy bottom A key.... probably down to the previous owner or previous to them. I have seen a few pianos with Mi...
by Colin Nicholson
13 Nov 2015, 13:43
Forum: Piano History
Topic: John Spencer & Co., London
Replies: 56
Views: 70895

Re: John Spencer & Co., London

I read another individual's post about US piano tuners claiming these pianos are unable to be tuned. After calling a few technicians yesterday, I had someone tell me the same thing! From a technical (ish) point of view.... In some cases, over damped piano that are badly neglected and un-serviced ca...
by Colin Nicholson
13 Nov 2015, 03:21
Forum: Piano History
Topic: My Calisia's history?
Replies: 4
Views: 7944

Re: My Calisia's history?

Are you in the UK? It is likely the hammer flanges (hinges) will need to be re-pinned, and suspect the piano may have been previously stored somewhere cold & damp? .... garage? cold house? Never spray oil inside the piano.... this would ruin the mechanism and make it 10 times worse. This may hav...
by Colin Nicholson
13 Nov 2015, 02:58
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: George Rogers and Son Piano
Replies: 1
Views: 4449

Re: George Rogers and Son Piano

Hi Chris Welcome to the UK Piano forum. Some general information which may be helpful. I presume the piano is in the UK? Rogers are good pianos if well looked after, the serial number suggests 1974. If you don't have any sentiments for the piano, and if it would just take up space in your home, then...
by Colin Nicholson
07 Nov 2015, 02:09
Forum: Piano History
Topic: F. Doerner & Sohn, Stuttgart #6328
Replies: 5
Views: 12373

Re: F. Doerner & Sohn, Stuttgart #6328

lucasbun.... This post is nearly five years old, and I believe Mark no longer engages in discussions on this forum..... so your reply seems out of context and nonsense. Obviously a lot of pianos BEFORE restoration ARE worth very little, if nothing - less than £10 in fact, Mark was correct in saying ...
by Colin Nicholson
06 Nov 2015, 02:22
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Emil Ascherberg Dresden, hand-painted Art Grand
Replies: 2
Views: 5371

Re: Emil Ascherberg Dresden, hand painted art Baby Grand

This piano seems to fit the description .... https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/26707510_a-german-hand-painted-satinwood-baby-grand-art-piano The piano may be date stamped inside on part(s) of the mechanism, but may require a piano technician to remove it safely and check inside thoroughly.... may...
by Colin Nicholson
31 Oct 2015, 15:47
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Secondhand Reid Sohn
Replies: 17
Views: 24664

Re: Secondhand Reid Sohn

The touch weight of an average new/ 2nd hand piano is around 48 - 52 grams per key.... without the dampers. Much of this weight is down to the following:- 1. Damper spring tension (leaf springs pushing on the damper body) 2. Damper spring gauge (diameter of wire) - around 0.9mm bass, 0.8mm tenor 0.7...