Search found 1704 matches

by Colin Nicholson
13 Sep 2016, 13:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Looking after your instrument in the heat
Replies: 3
Views: 10904

Re: Looking after your instrument in the heat

Pianos need to be kept in a moderate environment during storage to avoid damage to the wrest plank, wooden and metal components inside the mechanism. Temperature between 15 - 20 degrees celcius / 24 hours a day Humidity around 50% - 60% / 24 hours a day. Purchase a digital hygrometer/ thermometer to...
by Colin Nicholson
12 Sep 2016, 17:11
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: What does + mean?
Replies: 5
Views: 13294

Re: What does + mean?

or you could blow a whistle or ding a bell :)
by Colin Nicholson
11 Sep 2016, 23:34
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: What does + mean?
Replies: 5
Views: 13294

Re: What does + mean?

I've looked in the Oxford Companion/ couple of music dictionaries and nothing there under ornaments. However, "Plus" means "more" in French.... so could be an early accent marking. So.... I opened up "Score Writer" (my old music writing software), and clicked through so...
by Colin Nicholson
10 Sep 2016, 18:55
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: What does + mean?
Replies: 5
Views: 13294

Re: What does + mean?

I've seen it on an old Diabelli duet.... means to use the thumb replacing the number 1.
by Colin Nicholson
09 Sep 2016, 15:37
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: T Hammer or Tuning Lever Poll?
Replies: 4
Views: 11930

Re: T Hammer or Tuning Lever Poll?

by it
by Colin Nicholson
09 Sep 2016, 14:10
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: T Hammer or Tuning Lever Poll?
Replies: 4
Views: 11930

T Hammer or Tuning Lever Poll?

Received an unusual email asking some advice about tuning a Knight upright..
scenario.... pins very tight/ unable to be turned with BOTH hands / kept in a cold church.
uses a T hammer (and swears by it)....

Feel free to state the obvious.
by Colin Nicholson
06 Sep 2016, 16:35
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Schiedmayer & Son Grand
Replies: 5
Views: 9216

Re: Schiedmayer & Son Grand

I can provide an example of the serial number location here, first photo ... http://www.aatuners.com/restoration-ii-grands.html It is possible the soundboard may be covered with a thick coat of dust (covering the numbers), but on some Schiedmayers, the serial number is under the bass strings, mid wa...
by Colin Nicholson
06 Sep 2016, 09:44
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers
Replies: 23
Views: 31552

Re: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers

Hi Ivan Some interesting photos there. I think the grey/faun strip of felt is original (or way back in time) as both front rail pins would have had this arrangement for black & white keys. One long length of each, uncut, not nailed and holes punched out for the pins. Quite common on some Schiedm...
by Colin Nicholson
03 Sep 2016, 15:50
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Quick question regarding insurance costs when moving a piano
Replies: 2
Views: 9288

Re: Quick question regarding insurance costs when moving a p

I feel this is a specialised subject that will need to be discussed primarily with your own private household insurance company. Cannot comment on if the excess is reasonable or over the top because we know nothing about the piano/ condition/ age/ location/ risk area, and nor do we know the length o...
by Colin Nicholson
30 Aug 2016, 14:42
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: George Russell piano for refurbishment
Replies: 5
Views: 18353

Re: George Russell piano for refurbishment

ha ha! //// very good
by Colin Nicholson
27 Aug 2016, 10:30
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: George Russell piano for refurbishment
Replies: 5
Views: 18353

Re: George Russell piano for refurbishment

Not for me ta.... Not the place to advertise a piano, even if free. Try Gumtree or Ebay. // or on this forum there is a "Pianos for sale by the general public" section - look to your left. Regrettably though, these pianos fetch very little money - anything from £0 - £40.... if lucky. One o...
by Colin Nicholson
26 Aug 2016, 23:22
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: George Russell piano for refurbishment
Replies: 5
Views: 18353

Re: George Russell piano for refurbishment

If you post some photos (explained at the top of the piano advice page), please include one of the whole mechanism.... remove the front fascia panel completely along with the fallboard (lid that covers the keys), and take a clear focussed picture of the main mechanism so it just fits into the view f...
by Colin Nicholson
26 Aug 2016, 01:13
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha C3 XA tuning problems
Replies: 3
Views: 15487

Re: Yamaha C3 XA tuning problems

We sometimes have to do some detective work and guess work to answer these types of enquiries. Firstly.... some questions : 1. What is the age of the piano (from being brand new) ? 2. How long did each tuning take to complete? 3. Where are you in the world? 4. How do you monitor the piano's room hum...
by Colin Nicholson
26 Aug 2016, 00:59
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New Acoustic Piano
Replies: 7
Views: 17448

Re: New Acoustic Piano

Vernon.... I can't speak for all Kawai models, but mine has an Indonesia label on the back. Next time I clean behind, I'll look in more detail. Fabiogrs93...... you need to go for a piano you are happy with, we can't decide. Choosing a piano can take several weeks, so the one that has the right touc...
by Colin Nicholson
22 Aug 2016, 00:37
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New Acoustic Piano
Replies: 7
Views: 17448

Re: New Acoustic Piano

Hi there, What do you mean by "quality" ? (structure? / sound?/ mechanism? // other? ) In my eyes, all Yamaha and Kawai pianos are made to a high standard. One of the main differences between certain models is some Kawai models are shorter, so bass not so good.... the K5 offers a good qual...
by Colin Nicholson
17 Aug 2016, 00:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Frequencies
Replies: 19
Views: 29645

Re: Frequencies

All the above mentioned I agree 100% Regarding the pitch.... yes, this is perfectly normal for a new piano to drop off the production line, and tuned purposefully sharp - done for a good reason. (Whatever you do, don't try to get it back to A440). When new strings are fitted, they actually can take ...
by Colin Nicholson
12 Aug 2016, 08:42
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers
Replies: 23
Views: 31552

Re: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers

All bass strings (old/ new/ emergency) have an inner hexacore.... this is the six sided shape of the inner high tensile steel for the copper winding to wrap around - if you look very (VERY!) closely, as the "round" steel starts from the tuning pin coil, then enters the bass windings, and l...
by Colin Nicholson
10 Aug 2016, 00:15
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers
Replies: 23
Views: 31552

Re: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers

Good luck with the tuning etc .... glad it got there ok. Remember how old your piano is.... ? I think we keep forgetting! .... rather than smash the car window each time, the keys are usually under the sun visor.... yes, the typical scene from Terminator 2 !! .... you might wonder what I'm on about?...
by Colin Nicholson
07 Aug 2016, 22:33
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano
Replies: 31
Views: 35107

Re: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano

You need to think more about the functionality rather than originality now about this piano. The condition is not that good in my eyes from what I have seen. The few broken key tops you have shown cannot be repaired.... too many chips and most of the lips missing, and would look like a dog's dinner ...
by Colin Nicholson
06 Aug 2016, 00:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers
Replies: 23
Views: 31552

Re: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers

Well done NewAge for spotting that! .... I'm becoming redundant now! I must say though that throughout this post, I want to congratulate Ivan on not only providing good quality and clear photos - a great example!, but they have been taken in such a way to progressively move onto various subjects we ...
by Colin Nicholson
04 Aug 2016, 23:45
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers
Replies: 23
Views: 31552

Re: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers

All looking good. Yes, the punched numbers on the hammer butts & keys are all original.... can never be replaced, and would be like hen's teeth trying to get a spare hammer butt. Sometimes the sides of the hammer heads are also numbered, but not as reliable because new hammers have various spare...
by Colin Nicholson
04 Aug 2016, 15:06
Forum: Piano History
Topic: My Grandmothers Brinsmead #53083
Replies: 20
Views: 25227

Re: My Grandmothers Brinsmead Piano

The number suggests around 1904. Brinsmead submitted their serial numbers every five years from the 1860s to the 1950s, few done annually after that. #45000 1900 #54200 1905 A quick calculation will tell you just under 10,000 pianos were made in 5 years, so roughly estimated about 2,000 per year. If...
by Colin Nicholson
03 Aug 2016, 23:55
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers
Replies: 23
Views: 31552

Re: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers

Looks really good from here, and some money has been spent on it. Hammers look incredibly clean, tapes good and replaced. but can't see the hammer balance leathers (directly in front of the back checks with olive coloured felt).... but I suspect this piano may have had a refurb at some stage. (edite...
by Colin Nicholson
03 Aug 2016, 12:08
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers
Replies: 23
Views: 31552

Re: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers

Any decent piano tuner will be able to tackle the odd repair if needed. Some technicians may walk away, some may take on the job.... 50/50 chance. Ask your tuner. There is nothing special about the Bluthner over-damped action - perhaps a hindrance if anything! I believe the only "patent" t...
by Colin Nicholson
02 Aug 2016, 00:41
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano
Replies: 31
Views: 35107

Re: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano

I'm not a French polisher by trade, but done a few courses and picked up methods from others in the trade. There is actually no such thing as "black" when it comes to French polishing.... the term is "ebonise" - and is a very very dark brown (almost black) pigment powder mixed wi...
by Colin Nicholson
02 Aug 2016, 00:21
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers
Replies: 23
Views: 31552

Re: Bluthner 1890s Upright Dampers

As Vernon says, hammers look OK, and grooves are normal. Perhaps a re-face at some stage. Remember that this piano is over 120 years old, so there will always be issues with over dampers, even after adjustments are made - they can be "improved" though. Problem is not so much the damper hea...
by Colin Nicholson
01 Aug 2016, 08:39
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano
Replies: 31
Views: 35107

Re: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano

Here is a technique known as "Faux ebonising" .... quick & easy, and doesn't require multiple layers. Alex starts by sanding down wood for a good "key" (clean with meths after).... then apply blackboard (matt) paint - 2 coats. When dried, apply 2 coats of French polish. If yo...
by Colin Nicholson
29 Jul 2016, 08:47
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano
Replies: 31
Views: 35107

Re: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano

Can't answer all questions at once as it takes time to type all this and I am up to my elbows in other work. I started to type this previously, but deleted it afterwards.... but after seeing you saying it.... yes, I myself have other work on and projects, so I'm going to sign off this topic now and...
by Colin Nicholson
28 Jul 2016, 14:22
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano
Replies: 31
Views: 35107

Re: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano

You've gone well off the beaten track here! .... and heading into the outback. Serial number suggests 1901 in my book. The "Factory number" will be a cabinet number, and is usually duplicated/ punched on the reverse (raw wood) side of parts. This set of numbers may be punched into the top ...
by Colin Nicholson
28 Jul 2016, 11:40
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano
Replies: 31
Views: 35107

Re: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano

What are the pictures meant to tell us? Legs look original to me/ square tapered with correct castors. Clues will be in the wood shadows/ previous stain lines underneath and bolt fixtures. Have you got a grand raiser? .... if so, jack up one corner, remove a leg, and the serial number may be printed...
by Colin Nicholson
26 Jul 2016, 14:45
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano
Replies: 31
Views: 35107

Re: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano

I thought you were experienced in this work.... and did the same to a Bluthner?? .... so you should know the score by now. There is no "professional" or valid support or explanation for this kind of behaviour in restoring pianos - this is one of the main reasons I always avoid a restoratio...
by Colin Nicholson
26 Jul 2016, 10:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano
Replies: 31
Views: 35107

Re: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano

you are doing the work, not me ....
what do YOU think?
by Colin Nicholson
22 Jul 2016, 17:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Petrof Upright 1935-1940 Rough Guide Value for insurance
Replies: 1
Views: 7829

Re: Petrof Upright 1935-1940 Rough Guide Value for insurance

Thanks for your enquiry. We are unable to give valuations on this forum (as stated above in the blue box), no matter how rough. For an insurance valuation on your piano, you will need to contact either a "piano auctioneer" (who only auction pianos), or a piano retailer/ piano shop, and ask...
by Colin Nicholson
20 Jul 2016, 13:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano
Replies: 31
Views: 35107

Re: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano

You must have a lot of patience to do this.... these days, if I see bits & pieces missing, especially pedal lyres/ proper music rests.... I just walk away - too much hassle. When my Mother used to live in the Scottish Borders 2 years ago, in the village pub/hotel, the landlady overheard our conv...
by Colin Nicholson
20 Jul 2016, 11:21
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano
Replies: 31
Views: 35107

Re: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano

Here is a suggestion if you cannot find a bracket.... (see diagram I knocked up in 5 mins below) The bracket is very well designed, I've seen them before, but of course never taken any notice of them if working. Maybe they are unique to Pleyel? However.... very highly over-engineered, and the bracke...
by Colin Nicholson
19 Jul 2016, 12:09
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano
Replies: 31
Views: 35107

Re: Need part(s) for 1900 Pleyel grand piano

Hello Bernt You'll never find parts like that anywhere in the world unless you get a donor piano with similar parts. Yes, you will need to custom make parts 2, 3 and 4. To my knowledge there are 2 types of lyre stay rods available on the market (1&2 below), but you may need to go through a trade...
by Colin Nicholson
15 Jul 2016, 17:36
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Bremar piano
Replies: 3
Views: 7214

Re: Bremar piano

That's better ! :D
Bremar.jpg
by Colin Nicholson
15 Jul 2016, 10:33
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: anyone know about piano C. H. Bornkessel - Sangerhausen
Replies: 3
Views: 9476

Re: anyone know about piano C. H. Bornkessel - Sangerhausen

Not heard of that name, so could be a "Stencil Piano" Usual scenarios to watch out for in old Pre war pianos are.... 1. Unable/ difficult to be tuned. 2. Loose tuning pins / cracks in wrest plank 3. (more common for over-damped) .... ringing on dampers / warped rail or dampers lifting too ...
by Colin Nicholson
04 Jul 2016, 13:25
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Broadwood bought at an auction
Replies: 12
Views: 17689

Re: Broadwood bought at an auction

Welcome to the forum badhuis, A very attractive looking piano and will stand proud in any home. The brass candlesticks (sconces) missing will be difficult to replicate exactly for the period, but I believe here on the forum shop, they sell them.... https://www.piano-tuners.org/piano-accessories-shop...
by Colin Nicholson
03 Jul 2016, 08:48
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: This look like a good deal?
Replies: 2
Views: 9278

Re: This look like a good deal?

Ron, Go for it.... take their hand off if it sounds & plays well. Pictures are just cosmetic, and don't mean a thing/ tune..touch/ tone/ sound/ see warranty/ tuning invoices etc Probably played little if elderly..... but get it checked if in a rest home/ very warm room - wrest plank issues? Reas...
by Colin Nicholson
03 Jul 2016, 08:41
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Piano Times
Replies: 2
Views: 5164

Re: Piano Times

A good year was 1964 !
by Colin Nicholson
25 Jun 2016, 08:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Been offered a piano
Replies: 3
Views: 7973

Re: Been offered a piano

Allison, Depending on what you are selling it for and if tuned or not - a tuning alone does not mean it is in good condition & ready to go. The piano looks to be in reasonable condition - but we can't see the action, or know the strength of the tuning pins. On your price tag/ shop label, you sho...
by Colin Nicholson
23 Jun 2016, 16:07
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: DIY pitch raise by a semitone - good idea?
Replies: 3
Views: 7535

Re: DIY pitch raise by a semitone - good idea?

No one can tell you here if a DIY tuning will harm your piano, or if it will work.... it depends on the condition, stability and structure/ torque of the tuning pins, soundboard, bridges and wrest plank - hence a piano tuner is specially trained to assess these situations prior to a pitch change, an...
by Colin Nicholson
23 Jun 2016, 08:42
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: additional high pitch bell sound to some notes when playing
Replies: 12
Views: 18639

Re: additional high pitch bell sound to some notes when play

It is not in a piano tuners job description (or CV)/ or expectations to sort out problems like this / some customers expect this and think it's part of their job - it's not!.... could take hours of labour & love to sort out, no matter how expert they are, and in most cases, ringing noises are le...
by Colin Nicholson
22 Jun 2016, 23:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Been offered a piano
Replies: 3
Views: 7973

Re: Been offered a piano

Hi Allison, Rogers are a well known make.... British made. Age looks about 1920s - 1930s. The serial number will be inside, possibly near bass strings on the soundboard, or near the tuning pins - and 5 digits. If 1920s, it will start with a number 3 - hence 3XXXX, and if 1930s, will start with a 4. ...
by Colin Nicholson
21 Jun 2016, 00:14
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: additional high pitch bell sound to some notes when playing
Replies: 12
Views: 18639

Re: additional high pitch bell sound to some notes when play

Just another suggestion/ question? What type of flooring do you have where the piano is situated? If carpet, then the ringing will be remote.... a blanket may soften the sound, but it won't change the pitch. If laminated flooring? ...... then I reckon that could be the starting point. Wooden floors ...
by Colin Nicholson
20 Jun 2016, 16:32
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: type of glue for bridle staps
Replies: 13
Views: 26050

Re: type of glue for bridle staps

The bridle tapes do various jobs, one in particular is when the left (half blow) pedal is used. When the left 'soft' pedal is pressed, the crank lever moves the front hinged section of the hammer rest rail forward (or if a Otto Higel action, the whole rail moves on pivoted levers).. this in turn &qu...
by Colin Nicholson
18 Jun 2016, 00:21
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: additional high pitch bell sound to some notes when playing
Replies: 12
Views: 18639

Re: additional high pitch bell sound to some notes when play

Vernon is spot on.... I've experienced this, and a sod to sort out. If it played OK in the shop, then ringing bells in your home - then something in your home is to blame, not the piano. Anything loose/ dangling / (fire companion set?) / old radiator? .... anything that hangs or is loose. Sympatheti...
by Colin Nicholson
17 Jun 2016, 00:41
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: What to play for pleasure - Grade 4 / 5
Replies: 8
Views: 22486

Re: What to play for pleasure - Grade 4 / 5

To be honest, I rarely order single sheet music unless it is a request prior to a wedding, then I might run off the free page on musicroom.com or try and find a free PDF copy.... if one of my students wants a copy, I might then transcribe it to a different grade/ standard. For example, another popul...
by Colin Nicholson
16 Jun 2016, 07:55
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: W.Hoffmann P126
Replies: 2
Views: 10036

Re: W.Hoffmann P126

Any request like this needs to be backed up with the relevant link/ price tag / photos & general information about the piano (for comparisons). Just by stating a piano name and number doesn't necessarily rely on a book of information. In other words, whatever you have seen - we need to see.