Search found 157 matches

by Model V
22 Mar 2023, 08:27
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Worth of a Steinway & Sons Grand Piano?
Replies: 3
Views: 2911

Re: Worth of a Steinway & Sons Grand Piano?

This post has SCAM written all over it.
by Model V
02 Feb 2017, 13:32
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buying my first piano!
Replies: 13
Views: 25659

Re: Buying my first piano!

Superb choice. This will serve you better than any ageing English piano.
by Model V
30 Jan 2017, 21:31
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Finding a good home for an old piano
Replies: 7
Views: 16956

Re: Finding a good home for an old piano

If there's a crack in the wrest plank and some pins are slipping it's probably a scrapper, sadly. No restorer would take it as it wold cost too much to make it good, and it doesn't have a "name" so the time and money couldn't be recouped. Shame, as it's a nice looking piano and fully resto...
by Model V
09 Jan 2017, 23:40
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Help buying a Yamaha C5
Replies: 3
Views: 11057

Re: Help buying a Yamaha C5

Perhaps you could point us in its direction. Might be a good buy for someone.

MV
by Model V
09 Nov 2016, 23:16
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: How Do They Make Cast Iron Frames in Pianos?
Replies: 2
Views: 9881

Re: How Do They Make Cast Iron Frames in Pianos?

Oh. I thought that was a question.
by Model V
07 May 2016, 19:10
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Piano purchase and action/regulation question.
Replies: 7
Views: 11931

Re: Piano purchase and action/regulation question.

I believe the OP bought a piano and is very nicely sorted indeed!
by Model V
23 Apr 2016, 18:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Piano purchase and action/regulation question.
Replies: 7
Views: 11931

Re: Piano purchase and action/regulation question.

Good point. If you're going into Bluthners in the near future drop me a pm.

MV.
by Model V
29 Nov 2015, 20:46
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Early Bluthner Boudoir - a good purchase?
Replies: 10
Views: 15974

Re: Early Bluthner Boudoir - a good purchase?

As for the Bluthner: Seriously, if Schubert had lived to a ripe old age, he could have been the original owner. I.e.forget it. It's only fit for gracing a 2nd rate stately home, not as a musical instrument. Similarly old English grands are invariably 2nd rate (if I'm being generous). For £6000 you h...
by Model V
14 Nov 2015, 22:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Knight vs kemble vs danemann grand piano
Replies: 2
Views: 6299

Re: Knight vs kemble vs danemann grand piano

I have played a few 60s Danemann grands. All seemed aged before their time. I suspect that, despite being quite good, they weren't made to last in the way some of the German ones were. Someone on here did up a concert grand a year or 3 ago with stunning results iirc, so they've probably got potentia...
by Model V
26 Oct 2015, 07:53
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Secondhand Reid Sohn
Replies: 17
Views: 24658

Re: Secondhand Reid Sohn

vernon wrote:why not just but proper Kawai K 15
You are sounding like a broken record. Let the op decide from a range of options. I love Kawai pianos and so might he. But you sound as if you're on commission.
by Model V
26 Oct 2015, 07:49
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha 'sound'
Replies: 15
Views: 19941

Re: Yamaha 'sound'

vernon wrote:For goodness sake look at the Kawais they wil knock spots off the Yamahas
No they won't. But do try them as they are also excellent and you may prefer them. MV.
by Model V
25 Oct 2015, 21:02
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha 'sound'
Replies: 15
Views: 19941

Re: Yamaha 'sound'

Agreed. However, setup is everything (as well as general condition obviously). One of my 2 grands is a Yamaha C3. It's one of the best pianos I've ever played of any make. It was setup by one of the best in the business: and this is the point: a good tech is absolutely essential. Not a good tuner, a...
by Model V
25 Oct 2015, 20:47
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Secondhand Reid Sohn
Replies: 17
Views: 24658

Re: Secondhand Reid Sohn

One thing about Yamahas is that they tend to brightness and need to be kept on top of. However, budget a day with a good technician into your purchase and he will be able to voice the piano to your own version of perfection. That said, there are other good pianos out there. I have heard great things...
by Model V
22 Oct 2015, 10:20
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Secondhand Reid Sohn
Replies: 17
Views: 24658

Re: Secondhand Reid Sohn

Yamaha over a Reid Sohn is a no-brainer. Same with many of the budget brands. Just avoid if you don't want future trouble and zero resale value. The best thing about the U1 is there are so many of them about. Think Ford Focus. Mechanics love them because they're familiar and predictable. Public love...
by Model V
10 Oct 2015, 16:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: How to market original piano music?
Replies: 5
Views: 10344

Re: How to market original piano music?

Have a look at Howard Goodall's excellent programme about the Beatles. He explores how the Beatles' music is not just innovative; it is also of very high technical quality in purely musical terms. Hence their enduring appeal. The same goes for all bands that have stood the test of time. Sometimes th...
by Model V
08 Oct 2015, 11:15
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: How to market original piano music?
Replies: 5
Views: 10344

Re: How to market original piano music?

^ A very subtle reply.

To be honest your composition is very basic. About the standard of a bare pass GCSE composition. Most professionals who are able to, could improvise better compositions.

Sorry, but stick to the day job!

MV
by Model V
28 Sep 2015, 14:41
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Erard Restoration
Replies: 7
Views: 11278

Re: Erard Restoration

I shudder to think what this must have cost the customer, and it probably wouldn't have been "cost effective" in one sense. However, what a wonderful thing to see this piano brought back to life in this way. It's so good that there are owners out there with the passion and commitment (and ...
by Model V
24 Aug 2015, 18:49
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Piano Value
Replies: 7
Views: 10313

Re: Piano Value

If the keys are ivory, it's old. If it's worth £200 I'd be surprised.
by Model V
16 Jul 2015, 17:28
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: selling my Nathaniel Berry piano, what price?
Replies: 2
Views: 6235

Re: selling my Nathaniel Berry piano, what price?

Probably not worth the removal fee, sadly.
by Model V
23 May 2015, 20:34
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha C3 long term hire/loan
Replies: 5
Views: 9714

Re: Yamaha C3 long term hire/loan

Apologies. I should have put something on the bottom of this. I think I've found a temporary home for the piano so (unless it falls through) it's no longer available.

MV.
by Model V
05 Apr 2015, 12:39
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha C3 long term hire/loan
Replies: 5
Views: 9714

Re: Yamaha C3 long term hire/loan

Thank you so much Barrie. I will contact my fab tech in Brighton to see if he knows of a suitable client. With instruments like this I think it would be madness to sell and this seems a really neat way of keeping it without it being destroyed!

Cheers,

MV
by Model V
04 Apr 2015, 03:21
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha C3 long term hire/loan
Replies: 5
Views: 9714

Yamaha C3 long term hire/loan

Not sure where to post this but here goes... I have a very nice Yamaha C3, an early 2000s model. It's in excellent condition and is set up beautifully. Unfortunately circumstances dictate that I might not have the space for it shortly. Rather than sell it on I would prefer to loan/hire it out. Obvio...
by Model V
10 Nov 2014, 21:14
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Greatest British Upright Piano
Replies: 9
Views: 16402

Re: Greatest British Upright Piano

Played a few Welmars which I liked a lot. They always seemed to be a cut above (Bluthner heritage?)

One of the best was a massive Hopkinson that was restored. Magnificent it was!

MV
by Model V
10 Nov 2014, 21:05
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Wooden framed second hand pianos
Replies: 9
Views: 18338

Re: Wooden framed second hand pianos

Don't waste your cash. Use the £300 as a deposit on a brand new piano. It will last as long as you and give you pleasure for every minute of that time. The piano in the OP is a scrapper and worth £50 at the outside.

MV
by Model V
04 Jul 2014, 20:59
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Murdoch, McKillop and Co. Organ
Replies: 3
Views: 7922

Re: Murdoch, McKillop and Co. Organ

Technically this is a harmonium as it generates wind that sounds through reeds rather than pipes. My family were given one in the 70s but we got fed up with it pretty soon.

I doubt it's worth much/anything but I'm willing to be corrected on that.

MV
by Model V
29 Jan 2014, 19:50
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha P121 Made
Replies: 6
Views: 12434

Re: Yamaha P121 Made

We rented one for a couple of years whilst living in a small house that couldn't accommodate our C3. My wife taught on it for several hours a week and I did a lot of practice. All in all a very capable little piano - not a U1, but for what it cost to rent it did the job. MV. Edit: seemed similar to ...
by Model V
23 Feb 2013, 11:39
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha U3
Replies: 5
Views: 9648

Re: Yamaha U3

Yamaha U3 Designed for the experienced pianist and professional musician. Upright pianos with outstanding tone, touch and durability. An expansive soundboard and acoustic chamber give the 131 cm U3 extended power and projection, with the peerless tonal and expressive control of the legendary Yamaha...
by Model V
16 May 2012, 08:20
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice please
Replies: 4
Views: 6970

Re: Advice please

Agreed. This could be a fabulous piano and if overhauled, possibly stunning. It'll never be new again but I don't think that's the point. Get a top technician to look over it though (as suggested above). There could be any one of a number of faults that would make this piano worthless to you as a mu...
by Model V
15 May 2012, 14:41
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Tuning advice needed
Replies: 7
Views: 11187

Re: Tuning advice needed

My advice would be to throw away your digital tuner/uninstall your tuning ap and get on with enjoying your new piano. Unless you're planning to do ensemble work with a tuning fork. Your piano is at worst five one-hundredths of a semitone above concert pitch. Come on! By the way; why did you purchase...
by Model V
29 Apr 2012, 19:26
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: A new or used piano up to £3k
Replies: 42
Views: 45840

Re: A new or used piano up to £3k

...or insist on having the one you've been trying.
by Model V
29 Apr 2012, 19:23
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: A new or used piano up to £3k
Replies: 42
Views: 45840

Re: A new or used piano up to £3k

Something you said in your last post has me worried, Gromit. Did I understand you to say that your 126 is not the one you have been trying all this time? You must understand that no two "identical" pianos are the same. If you have fallen for a specific piano, you must have that specific pi...
by Model V
15 Apr 2012, 08:58
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha C3 sustain pedal "regulation" - any ideas
Replies: 7
Views: 9774

Re: Yamaha C3 sustain pedal "regulation" - any ideas

Absolutely, and not something I am going to get into in a hurry. However, Colin's advice allowed for a 10 minute fix which enables the piano to be used properly without the expense of an extra visit from our technician. Fear not, his position is not in jeopardy, nor am I about to become an amateur p...
by Model V
14 Apr 2012, 18:27
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha C3 sustain pedal "regulation" - any ideas
Replies: 7
Views: 9774

Re: Yamaha C3 sustain pedal "regulation" - any ideas

All done. Quite easy to do in the end. As an aside, I've just had a glimpse into what must be the sometimes frustrating world of the piano technician. The reason I say that is when I put the action back the offending notes were working perfectly, but I noticed that a couple of others were doing the ...
by Model V
14 Apr 2012, 17:40
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha C3 sustain pedal "regulation" - any ideas
Replies: 7
Views: 9774

Re: Yamaha C3 sustain pedal "regulation" - any ideas

Colin,

Thanks so much for that. I'm sure it's the first of those - i.e. a couple of the dampers are rising early. I'll have a look at adjusting.

Cheers,

MV
by Model V
14 Apr 2012, 16:53
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha C3 sustain pedal "regulation" - any ideas
Replies: 7
Views: 9774

Yamaha C3 sustain pedal "regulation" - any ideas

One of our C3s is exhibiting an odd problem: This happens to a few notes near middle C. If the note is played and released without the pedal it damps immediately. If it's played with the pedal (or the pedal is engaged whilst the note is held) and then the pedal is released slowly, the note sometimes...
by Model V
05 Apr 2012, 18:38
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: A new or used piano up to £3k
Replies: 42
Views: 45840

Re: A new or used piano up to £3k

My tuppence worth would be don’t necessarily despair of the U3. Where I work we have owned some Yamaha C3 grands and I’ve discovered that they’re extremely amenable to regulation when done by a good technician. One we had was a real old “shouter” but with a day’s work from a genius of my acquaintanc...
by Model V
01 Apr 2012, 20:39
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Good value piano removal - HELP!!
Replies: 12
Views: 16148

Re: Good value piano removal - HELP!!

Well, the moves have taken place and I would like to reveal that the company is Astra Piano Removals of Bournemouth. Their communication was excellent and they were courteous and respectful at all times. All the people involved were delighted with the guys' professionalism and sensitivity. The price...
by Model V
22 Mar 2012, 09:26
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Good value piano removal - HELP!!
Replies: 12
Views: 16148

Re: Good value piano removal - HELP!!

Dear all, Thanks so much for all the replies and advice. In fact the company that gave the "crazy" quote I reported on has been named in this thread but I won't say which one :twisted: This company were £100 more than everyone - and I've done a lot of ringing round! Anyway, I've managed to...
by Model V
20 Mar 2012, 09:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Good value piano removal - HELP!!
Replies: 12
Views: 16148

Re: Good value piano removal - HELP!!

No, not trade.
by Model V
19 Mar 2012, 14:11
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Good value piano removal - HELP!!
Replies: 12
Views: 16148

Re: Good value piano removal - HELP!!

Colin,

That's interesting. I've been quoted £530 one way. It's a C3 from Derby to Haywards Heath in Sussex, about 190 miles. And that's as a part load.

Seems very steep to me.

Thanks,

MV.
by Model V
19 Mar 2012, 11:35
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Good value piano removal - HELP!!
Replies: 12
Views: 16148

Good value piano removal - HELP!!

Just had a quote from a "leading" removal company for a C3 move and it made my eyes pop out! Who do you guys use? I'm perfectly happy with a part load as there's absolutely no rush - that might bring the price down.

Thanks,

MV.
by Model V
11 Mar 2012, 12:01
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New British Cavendish Piano
Replies: 20
Views: 28554

Re: New British Cavendish Piano

What wonderful news! I do hope some of our mambers in the sales trade will get in touch!
by Model V
10 Mar 2012, 14:13
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: 1977 Bluthner Model 10, advice sought.
Replies: 6
Views: 11124

Re: 1977 Bluthner Model 10, advice sought.

Thanks for that guys. The lady might let it go for 3.5k (we're hoping). The case is in exceptional condition and I think with regulation and (better) tuning it will be nice.

MV.
by Model V
09 Mar 2012, 22:38
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: 1977 Bluthner Model 10, advice sought.
Replies: 6
Views: 11124

1977 Bluthner Model 10, advice sought.

My friend has been offered a 1977 Bluthner Model 10 grand and as it belongs to his friend the price is very low. I went to see it myself tonight and it seems a nice piano; mahogany case in very god condition, the insides look very clean and it plays nicely, despite being in need of a little regulati...
by Model V
17 Feb 2012, 21:24
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Am I expecting too much from my piano Tuner?
Replies: 24
Views: 24901

Re: Am I expecting too much?

NewAge wrote:Excellent feedback from most. And appreciated.
Glad to be of service. :roll:
by Model V
11 Feb 2012, 09:54
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: local tuner for a historical tuning
Replies: 21
Views: 21474

Re: local tuner for a historical tuning

I would love to know why the OP wants a modern tuned in an historical temperament.
by Model V
01 Feb 2012, 23:54
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Am I expecting too much from my piano Tuner?
Replies: 24
Views: 24901

Re: Am I expecting too much?

Cleaning and hobnobs aside... Where I work an elderly local tuner used to do all the pianos. When I got there I found the pedal on a C3 was so far out of regulation that the dampers didn't quite clear the strings. This despite the piano being tuned regularly (and recently). I ensured this particular...
by Model V
30 Jan 2012, 16:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Am I expecting too much from my piano Tuner?
Replies: 24
Views: 24901

Re: Am I expecting too much?

….it was he who installed the Dampp-Chaser in 2010 so perhaps thought a check/clean for debris was not really required. However: i) He knows we own a dog (always locked in the kitchen when he's tuning), and the presence of animals is a known source of debris/hair loss etc. ii) He always gets good c...
by Model V
17 Nov 2011, 13:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Recommend a tuner in Bideford area?
Replies: 18
Views: 22782

Re: Recommend a tuner in Bideford area?

Why don't people buy pianos with their brains engaged? Despite all the sensible advice from some of the best professionals in the business you have still spent far too much on a 100 year old baby grand piano which is obviously miles out of regulation etc.

Oh well, it's your money!

MV.