Search found 44 matches

by Bob Pierce
27 Apr 2013, 22:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Ibach
Replies: 7
Views: 12551

Re: Ibach

They were being made in China by the same people that make W&L, and I understand that they are currently between builders.
by Bob Pierce
27 Apr 2013, 21:44
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Plastic bushings in action - advice needed
Replies: 5
Views: 9561

Re: Plastic bushings in action - advice needed

If you like the piano and want to keep it ask a technician to quote on replacing the flanges with wooden ones with cloth bushings. Its a quick easy job and will keep the piano going.
by Bob Pierce
19 Jan 2013, 15:49
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Cleaning piano plates
Replies: 5
Views: 7409

Re: Cleaning piano plates

Ask your tuner to do this as part of your tuning/service.
by Bob Pierce
19 Jan 2013, 15:37
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Understanding Regulation
Replies: 20
Views: 27418

Re: Understanding Regulation

Just a couple of questions; Were the hammers recovered? When you look at the hammer line is there a dip in the strike line in the area where there is a tone problem. Where the lever heels recovered or are they dished? These questions will help with an answer. The Reblitz book is not suitable for DIY...
by Bob Pierce
08 Oct 2012, 05:05
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Piano Tuning
Replies: 8
Views: 12023

Re: Piano Tuning

Another option to the USA, are some of the local European colleges. There is one in Amsterdam and Germany (near Stuttgart). For the best English speaking course there is one in Canada at the University of Western Ontario. It is a tough 10 hour a day course over 12 months but Steinways NY have used s...
by Bob Pierce
05 Feb 2012, 12:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Am I expecting too much from my piano Tuner?
Replies: 24
Views: 24902

Re: Am I expecting too much?

Yes you are. An upright should be serviced every 3 (ish) years. This will involve removing keys/action etc and cleaning. Talk about paying for this extra work with hobnobs is silly, try paying to have your car cleaned during a MOT with a bag of humbugs a see what the mechanic's reply is!!!! The tune...
by Bob Pierce
05 Feb 2012, 11:39
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: High level buying advice
Replies: 18
Views: 20021

Re: High level buying advice

Not all Petrofs are fitted with Renner actions, Some have a cheap CZECH actions fitted which are not very well made.
by Bob Pierce
05 Dec 2011, 17:42
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Keyslip removal
Replies: 7
Views: 10295

Re: Keyslip removal

Leave it to a pro. DIY will end in tears and snapped hammers!
by Bob Pierce
05 Dec 2011, 17:35
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Care in the Community
Replies: 3
Views: 6365

Re: Care in the Community

Tw*t!
by Bob Pierce
26 Aug 2011, 21:41
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: edelweiss pianos from 1066 pianos
Replies: 17
Views: 22326

Re: edelweiss pianos from 1066 pianos

They are made in China, last one I saw had a chinese action with Abel hammers. Must be changing things :o
by Bob Pierce
11 Aug 2011, 22:18
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Career Advice
Replies: 15
Views: 17376

Re: Career Advice

Which area are you in in the country? This may help us recommend a workshop to you.
by Bob Pierce
18 Jul 2011, 23:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha U2 honky tonk
Replies: 14
Views: 19158

Re: Yamaha U2 honky tonk

[quote="mdw"]I may be reading this wrong but have you just moved the piano and had it tuned a few day later? If so its going to go out of tune over the next few weeks. You realy need to give it a month before tuning.[/quote] Too right. Leave it for 6 weeks to settle and adjust to the humid...
by Bob Pierce
18 Jul 2011, 23:08
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Erard Type 0 tuning and maintenance
Replies: 7
Views: 10800

Re: Erard Type 0 tuning and maintenance

Try George Dumirtiu 07802558542
by Bob Pierce
10 Jun 2011, 18:55
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: August Forster Piano
Replies: 2
Views: 5616

Re: August Forster Piano

Speak to Steven Brandon pianos, he may buy it.
by Bob Pierce
10 Jun 2011, 18:53
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Restore shine to ivory keys?
Replies: 35
Views: 67892

Re: Restore shine to ivory keys?

Speak to David Fry, he is an ivory expert. 07796 293274 and is based in Kent.
by Bob Pierce
29 Apr 2011, 20:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New Grand <£15000 ideas???
Replies: 27
Views: 28802

Re: New Grand <£15000 ideas???

John I do not understate the Japanese makes (I admit, I dislike them, from a technical point of view(too much plastic in the action), but If I had 15k to spend I simply would not buy one. With careful homework you can source a decent German made grand made within the last 10 years. The recent financ...
by Bob Pierce
28 Apr 2011, 20:01
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New Grand <£15000 ideas???
Replies: 27
Views: 28802

Re: New Grand <£15000 ideas???

Excellent! Someone asks for advice on buying a European piano and everyone suggests Kawai and Yamaha. OK, so there are none made within the £15000.00 price range so lets look at other options. Within budget are 10 year old Shimmels, Sauters and Ronich grands for a start. Yes I know they are not new ...
by Bob Pierce
23 Apr 2011, 13:46
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: humidity and pianos
Replies: 9
Views: 13503

Re: humidity

The recommended R/H for a modern piano is 42%. I usually advise people with older instruments to keep the piano at 45% R/H. Without doubt the best way forward is to fit a PIano lifesaver system from Dampp Chaser. They do the job well. If you check their website you will see that most of the top make...
by Bob Pierce
22 Apr 2011, 19:13
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Me again and my purchase of Kawai GM10 !!
Replies: 13
Views: 16723

Re: Me again and my purchase of Kawai GM10 !!

Sorry Joe but yes! There goes the market in Kawai's in the South East. :D
by Bob Pierce
26 Mar 2011, 09:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any idea of the phoenix piano in hurtswood farm?
Replies: 18
Views: 18674

Re: any idea of the phoenix piano in hurtswood farm?

The I.M.I.T. plan to visit the Steingraber factory later on this year if any of the techs fancy the trip. I understand that the carbon fibre action people will be at the PTA convention this year if any one wants to see this great leap forward in technology!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep it wood I say, and that ...
by Bob Pierce
25 Mar 2011, 23:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: any idea of the phoenix piano in hurtswood farm?
Replies: 18
Views: 18674

Re: any idea of the phoenix piano in hurtswood farm?

I agree with Pianoheads, they are not a great instrument. I have seen them at Frankfurt Music fair and at the Steingraber factory and they are just dreadful.
Carbon cannot replace wood.
by Bob Pierce
21 Mar 2011, 12:46
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Pre-lubricating rusty string coils on old pianos ??
Replies: 4
Views: 8220

Re: Pre-lubricating rusty string coils on old pianos ??

If its that rusty don't bother. The strings will break and damage the piano or you!
by Bob Pierce
21 Mar 2011, 12:43
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Hammer repairs
Replies: 16
Views: 16971

Re: Hammer repairs

Kemble pianos of this age suffer from lifting hammer felt. Once you repair a few the next weather change will lift off a few more. You can repair with a decent glue and T-rivit the hammer but it is only a temp repair. I would replace the hammers with a new set and that is a technicians job, sorry.
by Bob Pierce
03 Mar 2011, 21:23
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Restoring or selling Steinway S-155
Replies: 21
Views: 22321

Re: Restoring or selling Steinway S-155

I agree that some client have to work to a budget, however if you want to own a Steinway be prepared to spend a little more money when its time for restoration. There is a reason why they are expensive pianos in the first place (R&D, quality of parts used etc) I agree with Barrie, make sure the ...
by Bob Pierce
02 Mar 2011, 22:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Replacement Let-off (Set-off) rails
Replies: 9
Views: 12279

Re: Replacement Let-off (Set-off) rails

Send the old rails to Renner and they will produce a replacement set to pattern.
by Bob Pierce
02 Mar 2011, 22:10
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Restoring or selling Steinway S-155
Replies: 21
Views: 22321

Re: Restoring or selling Steinway S-155

Touch weight, should be 52 gms in the bass, 50 gms in the tenor and 48 gms in the upper treble. I disagree that just fitting a set of hammers should suffice even if they are prepared correctly. If you are replacing a worn out set which have been on the instrument for 60+ years the action will have b...
by Bob Pierce
28 Feb 2011, 23:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Restoring or selling Steinway S-155
Replies: 21
Views: 22321

Re: Restoring or selling Steinway S-155

Ah, buying hammer off the shelf is not a good idea. Older Steinways have a lighter hammer and the bore dia is 5.1mm. Abel offer the most popular makes ready bored, however to save time it pays to have them bored to pattern. Recovering is in my opinion the last option. Older hammers warp under the pr...
by Bob Pierce
28 Feb 2011, 15:58
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Restoring or selling Steinway S-155
Replies: 21
Views: 22321

Re: Restoring or selling Steinway S-155

[quote]For a slightly cheaper job that involves less labour (from your technician's side), the original hammer heads (still attached to their shanks) can be sent away to be recovered in new felt. However, it is only marginally cheaper. If you order new hammer heads, eg. from Abel in Germany (through...
by Bob Pierce
17 Feb 2011, 22:33
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Piano buying advice - Yamaha P114T v U1
Replies: 14
Views: 15980

Re: Piano buying advice - Yamaha P114T v U1

£65.00 is a fair price to pay for peace of mind. But do take a decent technician with you.
by Bob Pierce
17 Feb 2011, 22:28
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bentley piano question
Replies: 6
Views: 8928

Re: Bentley piano question

[quote="marmottefarcie"]Another request for an opinion or advice for novice piano purchasers I'm afraid...... My wife and 9 year old son are both piano students and the time has come to acquire a proper piano for them to grow into. We had narrowed the shortlist to a choice between a recond...
by Bob Pierce
17 Feb 2011, 22:23
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Mid range grands - price and advice
Replies: 58
Views: 50037

Re: Mid range grands - price and advice

Hi Lucia

I would try Ben Wheeler Pianos, a top dealer who knows his stuff.
Good luck
by Bob Pierce
16 Feb 2011, 11:23
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Quality used upright advice
Replies: 115
Views: 156903

Re: Quality used upright advice

On the subject of Yamaha's, there has been a lot of work conducted by a couple of companies who have developed a hybrid Yamaha. They replace the wrest plank and restring with German wire and Barney Unwin bass strings. Then the action has the beam rails replaced and Renner shanks and hammers fitted. ...
by Bob Pierce
16 Feb 2011, 11:14
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Quality used upright advice
Replies: 115
Views: 156903

Re: Quality used upright advice

Robert, yes it was the Phoenix. I'm serious the agraffes were so badly made you could see the file marks in them (they were manufactured in the UK). They are based on a design developed by the Broadwood company years ago, and they didn't work then. Hurstwood invest serious money in R&D at the St...
by Bob Pierce
15 Feb 2011, 10:58
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Quality used upright advice
Replies: 115
Views: 156903

Re: Quality used upright advice

The "new" piano has a plastic (carbon fiber) action. Carbon soundboard covered in a very thin spruce veneer. I saw these at the Frankfurt Music Fair 2 years ago and thought they were dreadful. Its is very easy to be caught up in the enthusiasm of the sales force at Hurstwood Farm but talk ...
by Bob Pierce
17 Oct 2010, 10:58
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Cost of action overhaul
Replies: 17
Views: 26942

Re: Cost of action overhaul

EKA are very keen to use "pure tone" wire which they purchase from Holland. It is not very good at all and rust at the hint of damp. Barney Unwin in Suffolk makes the best strings in the country without a doubt! The re-polishing price is fair. The action work sounds like a cop out. With a ...
by Bob Pierce
26 Oct 2009, 00:08
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Piano Life Saver & manufacturers warranty
Replies: 42
Views: 37988

Re: Piano Life Saver & manufacturers warranty

I agree with Sussex, these systems do the job, but make sure the technician is recommended by Dampp Chaser.
by Bob Pierce
19 Jun 2009, 23:58
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Danemann Grand Scrapage
Replies: 13
Views: 18964

Re: Danemann Grand Scrapage

No problem Dave.
by Bob Pierce
11 Jun 2009, 23:21
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Danemann Grand Scrapage
Replies: 13
Views: 18964

Re: Danemann Grand Scrapage

Try a box of matches Dave!
by Bob Pierce
13 May 2009, 00:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice re first piano purchase
Replies: 24
Views: 24945

Re: Advice re first piano purchase

Mmmmmmm, I thought Smith's sold discounted Yamahas. I would check the local Yellow pages and support a local dealer, as PG suggests no dealer on the internet will provide the same service as a local one. As for a piano, you can get a good s/h one within your budget but if you buy from a private sell...
by Bob Pierce
05 May 2009, 23:15
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New piano purchase
Replies: 16
Views: 20807

Re: New piano purchase

I would look at the instruments from Music Brokers, find a local dealer and try them all. They provide the best value for money in my book.
by Bob Pierce
01 May 2009, 00:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: H.G.Schubert piano
Replies: 38
Views: 34059

Re: H.G.Schubert piano

I agree that E-bay is not good for the trade. I know of a "dealer" who buy's Sh*t from the auctions and sells it via E-bay and quite frankly it's not fit for the skip.
Discounters just cheapen the product.
by Bob Pierce
30 Apr 2009, 23:50
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Preparation of new pianos
Replies: 16
Views: 16585

Re: Preparation of new pianos

Oh Chris you are talking bobbins! Dealers these days do not spend the time in setting up the instruments as it eats into the profit margin.
by Bob Pierce
30 Apr 2009, 23:44
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: The Piano-Head Returns
Replies: 29
Views: 28903

Re: The Piano-Head Returns

Well I'm Bob and can tell you all about piano numbers!!!!!!!!!!
by Bob Pierce
17 Mar 2009, 19:38
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New hammers for Knight
Replies: 1
Views: 3598

Re: New hammers for Knight

You don't indicate which area you are in so it may be difficult to recommend a technician. I would recommend that the technician that you choose uses the slim width bass hammers from Renner and have them bored to pattern. The standard bore hammers supplied off the shelf are all at the wrong angles, ...