Search found 262 matches

by Pianomate
10 Jun 2011, 19:45
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: August Forster Piano
Replies: 2
Views: 5616

Re: August Forster Piano

Already have but he's a bit quiet and has a good stock of pianos needing work for the moment.
by Pianomate
10 Jun 2011, 13:37
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Restore shine to ivory keys?
Replies: 35
Views: 67893

Re: Restore shine to ivory keys?

The polish is extremely light and is buffed off afterwards. It seals the surface and does not dry sticky. I know people who use it on other intruments including stringed instruments and are very happy.
by Pianomate
10 Jun 2011, 13:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Restore shine to ivory keys?
Replies: 35
Views: 67893

Re: Restore shine to ivory keys?

Excellent product for ivory is Renaissance wax polish
http://www.picreator.co.uk/articles/3_r ... ce_wax.htm
by Pianomate
10 Jun 2011, 13:04
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: August Forster Piano
Replies: 2
Views: 5616

August Forster Piano

Hi all you may remember that I was discussing an August Forster piano I was going to restore, anyway my situation now dictates that regretfully I am going to have to offload it. Therefore its going begging as an abandoned project. I have had a good crack at the casework but that is as far as I have ...
by Pianomate
10 Jun 2011, 12:55
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Steinway model Z.. worth the trouble?
Replies: 132
Views: 116785

Re: Steinway model Z.. worth the trouble?

I'm sure he eventually realised it was an impossible task and his time would be better spent elsewhere.
by Pianomate
24 Sep 2010, 09:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nathaniel Berry Piano, c.1920s
Replies: 2
Views: 5385

Re: Nathaniel Berry Piano, c.1920s

For £600 someone would be expecting your piano to be in good condition and good playing order, probably having being overhauled not too long ago. Get it tuned and regulated if you want to stand any chance of selling it, and ask the tuners opinion of market value or you could be wasting your time. Re...
by Pianomate
24 Sep 2010, 09:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: just bought my first piano, and now have a question
Replies: 23
Views: 23779

Re: just bought my first piano, and now have a question

If it's a shortish cased "compact" piano with a sloping front then it is going to play quite differently to a full size and height upright if you have been used to one of those.
by Pianomate
24 Sep 2010, 08:46
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Steinberg piano
Replies: 49
Views: 61341

Re: Steinberg piano

Please read the note at the top of the page. Nobody can give an estimate for it without inspecting any more than someone can give an estimate for a second hand car without seeing it.
by Pianomate
18 Aug 2010, 10:34
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Sustain Pedal; Out of Action
Replies: 4
Views: 7421

Re: Sustain Pedal; Out of Action

Its a trivial repair but make sure your tuner knows before he turns up to give him chance to source a replacement.
by Pianomate
18 Aug 2010, 10:31
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Veneer press for fallboard???
Replies: 19
Views: 20001

Re: Veneer press for fallboard???

I know it's probably a bit late now but I have a technique for sticking back bubbled veneer. Dampen the area to soften it, and make a small slit in the middle along the grain. Inject a good wood glue into the cavity with a syringe and needle and rub the blister flat with a rubber roller until the ve...
by Pianomate
18 Aug 2010, 10:01
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Pabst piano from Heins & Co.
Replies: 8
Views: 11688

Re: Pabst piano from Heins & Co.

Note the art deco motif borders around the panels of the top board. The case however suggests a bit of Arts and Crafts style with German gothic ornamentation. This would suggest early 1900s.
by Pianomate
18 Aug 2010, 09:00
Forum: Piano History
Topic: August Forster Piano
Replies: 18
Views: 23923

Re: My August Forster Piano

August Forster pianos are extremely well made and often underrated. They are quite sought after and if it is in good order, you are likely to have a sound investment there. The casework suggests the period that Forster have confirmed. Shortly after German unification in 1871, there was an artistic m...
by Pianomate
05 May 2010, 00:14
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Help, please, re noise from neighbour's piano :-(
Replies: 6
Views: 10505

Re: Help, please, re noise from neighbour's piano :-(

The removal of chimney breasts could be a serious issue and affect your house as well. Check with your local authority Building Control Dept.
by Pianomate
18 Apr 2010, 00:45
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Justin Browne London Piano - Lock-Key
Replies: 2
Views: 6118

Re: Justin Browne London Piano - Lid Key

If it's a standard lever lock I can produce replacement keys.
by Pianomate
25 Mar 2010, 22:45
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Rieger-Kloss - Anyone heard of it?
Replies: 3
Views: 6804

Re: Riga Kloss Anyone heard of it?

I have heard of them but I think they mainly cater for the Czech home market.
by Pianomate
25 Mar 2010, 22:08
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Franz Oaser keyboard section
Replies: 5
Views: 8251

Re: Franz Oaser keyboard section

Did you get my PM?

Thanks.
by Pianomate
19 Mar 2010, 11:56
Forum: Piano History
Topic: H.Wolfframm, Dresden piano
Replies: 18
Views: 30276

Re: H.Wolfframm, Dresden piano

If your only problem is that it is getting soft it is probably overdue for voicing (assuming it was last done 20 years ago as you describe) which is just a routine maintenance task whereby the hammers are flattened and hardened again.
by Pianomate
17 Mar 2010, 22:28
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Franz Oaser keyboard section
Replies: 5
Views: 8251

Re: Franz Oaser keyboard section

Thanks. Been very busy last few days. Will look for my calipers and check, then let you know tomorrow.

Thanks
by Pianomate
17 Mar 2010, 16:08
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: The British Piano Manufacturing Company
Replies: 26
Views: 29330

Re: The British Piano Manufacturing Company

All those with cheaper finishes, chipboard cases etc will not last as most will in time become scruffy. I can see the European manufacturers further consolidating and becoming more like Broadwood and August Forster etc is today, concentraring on small numbers of high end and custom built instruments...
by Pianomate
16 Mar 2010, 23:17
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: The British Piano Manufacturing Company
Replies: 26
Views: 29330

Re: The British Piano Manufacturing Company

I can see a niche market for custom made pianos like the Broadwoods but sad to say in the mass market everything is going to come from the far East. In 50 years time I expect that acoustic pianos will account for a tiny minority of keyboards with almost everything going digital. As far Eastern econo...
by Pianomate
16 Mar 2010, 09:47
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Yamaho Nippon Gakki SKK serial no. 35497
Replies: 5
Views: 9620

Re: Yamaho Nippon Gakki SKK serial no. 35497

Depends on the condition both inside and out. Nobody can give you any idea whatsoever without a physical inspection any more than if you had asked "what's a Ford Modeo worth?"
by Pianomate
07 Mar 2010, 10:53
Forum: Piano History
Topic: catalogues
Replies: 3
Views: 5958

Re: catalogues

There is a 1920s Collard catalogue on fleabay at the moment.
by Pianomate
26 Feb 2010, 17:33
Forum: Piano History
Topic: kingsford London?
Replies: 6
Views: 9722

Re: kingsford London?

Is there anything written inside it or on the frame?
by Pianomate
25 Feb 2010, 23:34
Forum: Piano History
Topic: kingsford London?
Replies: 6
Views: 9722

Re: kingsford London?

My guess is it dates from teens to early 20s
by Pianomate
22 Feb 2010, 22:27
Forum: Piano History
Topic: TRYLER CHICAGO
Replies: 2
Views: 3906

Re: TRYLER CHICAGO

You will probably get more help on one of the US piano sites as few US pianos were imported into the UK.
by Pianomate
17 Feb 2010, 22:59
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Where have all the Germans gone? (Long time passing)
Replies: 9
Views: 9684

Re: Where have all the Germans gone? (Long time passing)

Where have all the Germans gone? (Long time passing)
I think our friend - the Twallock - on Ebay may have them all and be trying to confuse people into thinking they are all Steinways.
by Pianomate
17 Feb 2010, 22:57
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Seeking advice: should I move my piano?
Replies: 8
Views: 9792

Re: Seeking advice: should I move my piano?

Heavy curtains, carpets and soft furnishings can all help.
by Pianomate
17 Feb 2010, 22:55
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: 'The Twallock Returns' (sounds like a book for Xmas)
Replies: 5
Views: 9278

Re: 'The Twallock Returns' (sounds like a book for Xmas)

Our friend is at it agan and even he has outdone himself this time: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GRAND-PIANO-WILLIAM-STEINWAY-CELEBRITY-UNEXPECTED-KISS_W0QQitemZ290401057650QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_MusicalInstr_Keyboard_RL?hash=item439d407b72 My dog is lonely. I really have never chosen flying lessons to her ...
by Pianomate
15 Feb 2010, 22:40
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Franz Oaser keyboard section
Replies: 5
Views: 8251

Re: Franz Oaser keyboard section

Can you tell me the width (accurate) and length of the white keytop front sections, and the length of the back section. I have a keyboard which needs some spares. Also, how many white keys are there? If the keytops are ivory they will have a grain if you look closely. Any chance of a close up of one...
by Pianomate
15 Feb 2010, 11:31
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Winkelmann Braunschweig Upright Piano 1936
Replies: 22
Views: 26551

Re: Winkelmann Braunschweig Upright Piano 1936

Could be a number of things - could be the keys have twisted slightly in the keybed due to moisture (tuner can usually fix this fairly quickly), could be dirt, slight rust on the pins under the keys, misalignment, May be obvious if you can get the action out safely. Whatever you do, never use oils o...
by Pianomate
15 Feb 2010, 00:59
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Grotty strings
Replies: 17
Views: 21507

Re: Grotty strings

Chatting to a tech today, he says he swears by a "Cramer Bath Rubber" for cleaning surface rust on grotty strings. They are sold to clean stains of enamel baths and you can get them from plumbers merchants.
by Pianomate
15 Feb 2010, 00:39
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Winkelmann Braunschweig Upright Piano 1936
Replies: 22
Views: 26551

Re: Winkelmann Braunschweig Upright Piano 1936

The piano was probably an essential part of the local shindig!
by Pianomate
14 Feb 2010, 20:40
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Winkelmann Braunschweig Upright Piano 1936
Replies: 22
Views: 26551

Re: Winkelmann Braunschweig Upright Piano 1936

Looks like it has had the hammers refelted fairly recently. Something appears to be misaligned as the hammers have not all returned to the rest position. The brackets at the front would have been for brass sconces, removed when houses had electric lights fitted. With the style of case with the marqu...
by Pianomate
13 Feb 2010, 20:59
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Winkelmann Braunschweig Upright Piano 1936
Replies: 22
Views: 26551

Re: Winkelmann Braunschweig Upright Piano 1936

Can you post a pic of the case?

These German instruments were usually well built and of good robust quality.
by Pianomate
13 Feb 2010, 20:57
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Alois Kern Piano
Replies: 3
Views: 9596

Re: Alois Kern Piano

Perhaps you can find an Austrian piano enthusiasts forum where they may be able to help more.
by Pianomate
13 Feb 2010, 20:53
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha M1J - worth restringing + moving?
Replies: 3
Views: 7894

Re: Yamaha M1J - worth restringing + moving?

I would definitely get a second opinion on the restringing once you have it.
by Pianomate
09 Feb 2010, 20:34
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Brinsmead vs Cramer?
Replies: 3
Views: 4970

Re: Brinsmead vs Cramer?

Ask the guy who has looked after the Brinsmead.

A basic check over would be a bit less than the cost of a tune.

Depends on the model as well as the make. All makes had budget through to deluxe models.
by Pianomate
09 Feb 2010, 02:07
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Winkelmann Braunschweig 1936 Upright
Replies: 3
Views: 6141

Re: Winkelmann Braunschweig 1936 Upright

Do you have any pictures?

The 1936 label may just be a dealer's label from when it has been resold, or even when it has been overhauled.
by Pianomate
09 Feb 2010, 02:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Brinsmead vs Cramer?
Replies: 3
Views: 4970

Re: Brinsmead vs Cramer?

Get hold of the tuner of the Brinsmead and ask him about it as he will be familiar with it. You need to get a tech to have a look as the other as it's like buying a car - you've got to see them to know. Age is irrelevant and both are good makes - it depends on which model it is, whether it's been lo...
by Pianomate
09 Feb 2010, 01:56
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Collard and Collard - parts?
Replies: 7
Views: 8755

Re: Collard and Collard - parts?

The sheet music stand will probably be useful to someone as the fretwork sometimes gets damaged.
by Pianomate
31 Jan 2010, 16:51
Forum: Piano History
Topic: BENTLEY AGE?
Replies: 7
Views: 10343

Re: BENTLEY AGE?

If you know how to remove the far left hand key, you will usually find a date written on the side of it.
by Pianomate
27 Jan 2010, 19:13
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Wm Dunkley upright
Replies: 16
Views: 19918

Re: Wm Dunkley upright

You can get any parts you need from Heckscher, the link is at the left hand side of thispage under "Piano Parts".
by Pianomate
23 Jan 2010, 12:55
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: WELMAR Grand Piano - 1977
Replies: 2
Views: 5460

Re: WELMAR Grand Piano - 1977

Welmar are no longer in existence so you would have to track down any company which may have bought them out for any info, but it is unlikely you will have much success. I'm sure its easier to find the size using a tape measure! Nobody can give an estimate of price without physically inspecting it a...
by Pianomate
19 Jan 2010, 23:44
Forum: Piano History
Topic: The P-S O in "The Piano"
Replies: 23
Views: 22701

Re: The P-S O in "The Piano"

Playing the 1 string banjo is actually played on an organ and not a banjo!
:twisted:

I'm sure Einaudi must be familiar with the technique :twisted:
by Pianomate
18 Jan 2010, 22:29
Forum: Piano History
Topic: The P-S O in "The Piano"
Replies: 23
Views: 22701

Re: The P-S O in "The Piano"

I'm sure what was on the beach was just a prop.

So Bert Weedon played on string on the guitar - There must be someone on here who is equally adept at playing the one string banjo?
by Pianomate
18 Jan 2010, 00:37
Forum: Piano History
Topic: The P-S O in "The Piano"
Replies: 23
Views: 22701

Re: The P-S O in "The Piano"

If you had to move an Einaudi book to tune a piano you might as well only tune about 10 strings as they won't be using the rest!
by Pianomate
16 Jan 2010, 02:26
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Whiter Shade of ?
Replies: 6
Views: 9302

Re: Whiter Shade of ?

Usual off-white I would chose is BS 10B15 often referred to as Gardenia and used for interior decor. Fairly neutral colour. This is off the BS4800 colour specifications and pretty universal for an off-white. I wouldn't use polyeurathene! Polyester finish much better. Whatever finish you use must be ...
by Pianomate
13 Jan 2010, 01:27
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: which veneer?
Replies: 5
Views: 8857

Re: which veneer?

Seems like you're putting the cart before the horse - you need to fix the veneer BEFORE the piano is lacquered. You wouldn't respray a car before fixing the dents?

Could be just about anything, but common choices were mahogany, rosewood and walnut. A furniture restorer will be able to recognise it.