Search found 1704 matches

by Colin Nicholson
14 Oct 2019, 09:16
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Erard London Grand #6543 (1860)
Replies: 7
Views: 11120

Re: Erard London Grand #6543 (1860)

Thanks, yes this undercarriage looks very similar to #6543 above. I'll try to attach the image of A1 lever, which has the date stamped on the inclined section next to the damper spoon. There is also a name "Royer" on the lever? and the letter D. Your drawing is pretty accurate, which shows...
by Colin Nicholson
09 Oct 2019, 13:16
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Erard London Grand #6543 (1860)
Replies: 7
Views: 11120

Re: Erard London Grand #6543 (1860)

Thanks for your replies. I live 14 miles north of Morpeth in the harbour fishing town Amble, right next to the coast. On the map, it is NE65 (about 10 miles south of Alnwick), and used to be named "Amble-by-the-sea", but I believe from some locals, the "by the sea" was dropped du...
by Colin Nicholson
09 Oct 2019, 01:57
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Erard London Grand #6543 (1860)
Replies: 7
Views: 11120

Erard London Grand #6543 (1860)

Hi Bill / and guys.... It's been quite a while....! Since moving up North, my feet haven't touched the ground. On behalf of one of my USA clients, I am asking if anyone has any snippets of history/ ownership/ provenance/ info etc about the above piano. In May/June last year, my client was interested...
by Colin Nicholson
20 Jul 2018, 06:23
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Erard London ivories
Replies: 3
Views: 9270

Re: Erard London ivories

Thanks Barrie. I didn't know a DNA test could detect the age of ivory. Well its definitely before 1936! (see pic). The piano has been purchased (50% just now + shipping fees), and we are all trusting the Italians to a safe delivery.... Once the piano arrives here, I can assess the ivory issue later....
by Colin Nicholson
11 Jul 2018, 06:34
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Erard London ivories
Replies: 3
Views: 9270

Erard London ivories

Hi guys, I recently visited an Erard London semi-concert grand, and we are hopefully starting the shipping process very soon from Italy to UK. The piano is to undergo a 3/4 restoration, (excluding a full French Polish), and the ivories are still in excellent condition. The piano is dated 1860. The c...
by Colin Nicholson
11 Jul 2018, 06:14
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Piano dampers less effective after action re-install
Replies: 2
Views: 6984

Re: Piano dampers less effective after action re-install

There may be a geometry problem now, and the whole/ part action will need to be regulated. This is assuming the action is under-damped In replacing the hammer rest felt (or baize), it is likely that the hammers are further forward towards the strings than before. This also has a knock-on effect as t...
by Colin Nicholson
23 Jul 2017, 11:51
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New Kawai Age and History
Replies: 11
Views: 24641

Re: New Kawai Age and History

I have used Butler Smith regularly, and very reliable. They cannot allocate a specific date when you contact them, as they organise a few piano deliveries/ collections. I had a Kawai K5 moved from Yorkshire to London back in May.... usual turnaround is about 7 - 10 days. They will need to know the d...
by Colin Nicholson
15 Jun 2017, 07:02
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Any info on this piano make Dorffman upright
Replies: 1
Views: 9352

Re: Any info on this piano make Dorffman upright

Therasa You will discover that many piano names are not listed on the internet, simply because they do not exist. Even if not listed on the internet, they still do not exist as a real name. Some pianos have alias names / retailer / shop name / .... and have a stencil name instead.... known as "...
by Colin Nicholson
31 May 2017, 00:07
Forum: Digital Pianos
Topic: The best digital piano
Replies: 1
Views: 13286

Re: The best digital piano

Have a look at Kawai digitals,,,, the ES range. I have the ES7 and is good.
by Colin Nicholson
31 May 2017, 00:04
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Hammer material etc.
Replies: 8
Views: 19648

Re: Hammer material etc.

Never heard of laser treatment for pianos!
Good luck anyway, hope it all works well for you.

Colin
by Colin Nicholson
25 May 2017, 01:01
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Is this a "spinet" piano?
Replies: 3
Views: 12656

Re: Is this a "spinet" piano?

Zooming in closer, on the left it says "Eavestaff" .... this is the maker's name. (On the right, saying Mini Piano) Holder Brothers of Hull were the retailers / shop who sold the piano at some stage - so not the maker's name. Ignore that. So you have a "Eavestaff Mini Piano" (som...
by Colin Nicholson
24 May 2017, 09:11
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Hammer material etc.
Replies: 8
Views: 19648

Re: Hammer material etc.

We've had a real fiddle getting the strike points right in the treble, but we're pretty much there now. (We've been shifting the head up and down the shank). Are you using a hammer hanging jig? Best investment I made. Jig available by PianoTek (USA) and named the "Spurlock" price about £1...
by Colin Nicholson
24 May 2017, 08:46
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha U3 music stand keep losing
Replies: 3
Views: 12846

Re: Yamaha U3 music stand keep losing

A few suggestions:- (these are just a guide) 1. Order a rubber O ring to fit in hole / glue in with impact adhesive. (Measure tab first) Here is an example: https://www.modelsport.co.uk/associated-rc8b3-shock-o-rings/rc-car-products/396471 Rubber O rings are usually used for Radio Controlled vehicle...
by Colin Nicholson
09 May 2017, 17:18
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: schimmel pianos
Replies: 1
Views: 9161

Re: Rameau pianos

Hi Your post would be better under a new heading, as this is about Rameau pianos, then others may reply more quickly. At first glance, the name "Schimmel" looks partly genuine (brass inlaid), but not sure about the initial letter "S" ? The originality of a piano far extends just ...
by Colin Nicholson
05 May 2017, 01:26
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: ABRSM Syllabus
Replies: 3
Views: 12719

Re: ABRSM Syllabus

Octavia Have you booked an ABRSM piano exam before, or is this the first time? Is the exam for yourself or a pupil of yours? Which 2 years appear on the front of the piano pieces book? What grade are you doing? Whichever it is, you need to register with them first as the "applicant" (the p...
by Colin Nicholson
19 Mar 2017, 02:29
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: ACTION NOISE BABY GRAND
Replies: 14
Views: 28182

Re: ACTION NOISE BABY GRAND

No harm in calling it either or (unless ordering felt!). I agree with what you say Vernon - perhaps I have confused its proper name for its purpose. In Reblitz - page 185/ section 13, there is a short reference to the purpose of the rail - hammers rebounding during loud staccato playing, but not res...
by Colin Nicholson
16 Mar 2017, 10:09
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Holland Piano Age?
Replies: 4
Views: 9626

Re: Holland Piano Age?

Roxanne, Thank you for your post. If the serial number is correct (and not a casework/ cabinet number), it suggests the date of manufacture is 1914. In your own wording and in the text, there seems to be confliction between the type of piano you have. Is it an (1) upright, (2) grand (3)cabinet piano...
by Colin Nicholson
14 Mar 2017, 02:42
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Amateur Piano Restoration!
Replies: 9
Views: 19287

Re: Amateur Piano Restoration!

If you buy the Reblitz book as I suggested/ and get the stuff Barrie has recommended (trade/ account only for F&N, so contact a local piano tuner to get you some), this book covers most stuff you mention - chapter 4/ minor repairs & cleaning. ...... did you measure the key height before remo...
by Colin Nicholson
13 Mar 2017, 01:43
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Amateur Piano Restoration!
Replies: 9
Views: 19287

Re: Amateur Piano Restoration!

Just another couple of things...... You might find that you'll make the piano play worse than it did before you took the keys out, and so you'll have to undo any mistakes before you make improvements. It's quite common for a DIY enthusiast to strip the whole key frame/ vacuum out old washers etc, re...
by Colin Nicholson
12 Mar 2017, 18:50
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Amateur Piano Restoration!
Replies: 9
Views: 19287

Re: Amateur Piano Restoration!

If you post 2 photos of one piano key, top & bottom (centre chasing "bushing" and front "bushing" areas) rebates, I'll be able to see if they were bushed or not. If the centre crowns (chasings) have side slots [some don't] or signs of old glue/red cloth remnants (and showing ...
by Colin Nicholson
12 Mar 2017, 11:31
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Amateur Piano Restoration!
Replies: 9
Views: 19287

Re: Amateur restoration!

Might be best you buy some books about pianos/ resto work / regulation etc. and read up on the dreaded spring & loop/ over-damped actions - most technicians don't touch them these days, and won't enter into any kind of technical data unless you pay them. 1. Piano Tuning, Servicing and Rebuilding...
by Colin Nicholson
12 Mar 2017, 01:51
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: piano recommendation for beginner
Replies: 1
Views: 8812

Re: piano recommendation for beginner

The make and model is not important at this stage, and doesn't make much difference for a starter renting. For any digital piano with a view to starting lessons, just note the following:- 1. Full 88 note keyboard / full sized keys (learning the geography of a keyboard is important early on) 2. Touch...
by Colin Nicholson
10 Mar 2017, 08:50
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: ACTION NOISE BABY GRAND
Replies: 14
Views: 28182

Re: ACTION NOISE BABY GRAND

vernon wrote:It's taken 81 years for me to learn that the hammer rest is called the"staccato rail." crikey as Boris would say
took me 20
quoted from a Mr A. Lawrence all those years back!
by Colin Nicholson
08 Mar 2017, 16:51
Forum: Piano History
Topic: C.Weidig, Jena Germany
Replies: 10
Views: 17610

Re: C.Weidig- why can't I find any information?

It looks like the front panel has been reclined fully forward, resting above the keys laid down? This panel should lift out completely (slightly forward first, then lifted vertically), there will be about 3 wooden dowels locating it to the fallboard - take care you don't damage the dowels. The brass...
by Colin Nicholson
08 Mar 2017, 16:28
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: ACTION NOISE BABY GRAND
Replies: 14
Views: 28182

Re: ACTION NOISE BABY GRAND

The hammer shanks underside (not shafts, but I know what you mean), should hang about 3mm above the rest rail at rest, there must be a gap here, so the roller does the "resting" on the rep lever, not the shanks. The hammer rest rail is actually called a "staccato" rail, and used ...
by Colin Nicholson
08 Mar 2017, 01:35
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: ACTION NOISE BABY GRAND
Replies: 14
Views: 28182

Re: ACTION NOISE BABY GRAND

Another thing.... If the key slip rail has warped slightly (or not adjusted right), this may cause a thump as the key comes back up; the rail should be bushed evenly/ not worn and no less than a 3mm gap hovering above the keys - found just behind the fallboard, running the whole length of the keyboa...
by Colin Nicholson
01 Mar 2017, 12:59
Forum: Piano History
Topic: C.Weidig, Jena Germany
Replies: 10
Views: 17610

Re: C.Weidig- why can't I find any information?

There are two references to Weidig in my piano book, but very little information, and no serial numbers. 1. WEIDIG, C.W.. Jena, Germany 1843 2. WEIDIG, GEORGE, Est 1890, Germany at Regenburg Yours is likely to be No. 1.... but only shows when established (1843) and country. Numbers will be of no use...
by Colin Nicholson
28 Feb 2017, 18:48
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: The "C" in front of Sauter, Bechstein
Replies: 5
Views: 17441

Re: The "C" in front of Sauter, Bechstein

It sometimes depends on ownership/ affiliations / other names taking over a company such as brothers/ alias names. Hoffmann have over 15 different manufacturing names (some not related), some made in Germany/ Austria/ USA/ Sweden, however they are made in China now. a company buying and taking over,...
by Colin Nicholson
28 Feb 2017, 02:31
Forum: Piano History
Topic: J&J Hopkinson resto
Replies: 3
Views: 8408

Re: J&J Hopkinson resto

Thanks Bill, very interesting.
The ads in those days say a lot, and right next to WW1 issues aswell.
cheers
Colin
by Colin Nicholson
27 Feb 2017, 19:32
Forum: Piano History
Topic: J&J Hopkinson resto
Replies: 3
Views: 8408

J&J Hopkinson resto

Thought this section was getting a bit quiet, so I hope to spark something into life! Bill / anyone Just started a resto project on a 1907 Hopkinson (Arts & Crafts) / over-strung / under-damped/ full frame with exposed plank/ ivories. (everything inside is covered in black coal dust!) - Schwande...
by Colin Nicholson
27 Feb 2017, 11:35
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buying a second hand Knight K10
Replies: 4
Views: 13295

Re: Buying a second hand Knight K10

Please read this.... and re information in the blue box above for valuations

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9586&p=44981#p44981
by Colin Nicholson
23 Feb 2017, 12:20
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Adding a spiral binder to music books
Replies: 1
Views: 8481

Re: Adding a spiral binder to music books

I regularly use my "Rexel" binding machine to bind together piano music/ theory notes etc. with plastic spiral binders (black, red or white). The rectangular punch holes are cut fairly near the edge of the paper, and no where near the start or end of clefs/ brackets/ musical directions etc...
by Colin Nicholson
21 Feb 2017, 13:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Short sustained sound of Boston GP 193
Replies: 4
Views: 13035

Re: Short sustained sound of Boston GP 193

Fully agree Vernon. Nothing to do with tuning/ hammers / toning / servicing / key bed.... this sounds like a major defect in the soundboard losing its crown, hence loss of down-bearing near the bridge, or negative (up) bearing at the agraffes/ da capo bars. If the soundboard has lost crown, the brid...
by Colin Nicholson
12 Feb 2017, 03:02
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Question about new keyboard
Replies: 3
Views: 12455

Re: Question about new keyboard

Couple of questions first
1. What is your budget? (what do you mean by cheap?)
2. Do you want to buy new or second hand ?
by Colin Nicholson
10 Feb 2017, 02:17
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Could someone please help me with fingering?
Replies: 1
Views: 7168

Re: Could someone please help me with fingering?

It looks like you are answering someone else's question, but with the recipient's comments missing?
Obviously no one has a clue what you are talking about unless we know which piece of music you are referring to, or upload part of the music here.

??????
by Colin Nicholson
07 Feb 2017, 12:37
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Problems with Yamaha MX100B with Disklavier
Replies: 3
Views: 11772

Re: Problems with Yamaha MX100B with Disklavier

You will probably need to contact Yamaha Technical Services for help/ advice.
Give them your details / location / piano model / serial number and fault of piano.

https://uk.yamaha.com/en/support/contacts/
by Colin Nicholson
06 Feb 2017, 18:22
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Need advice teaching a difficult 6 year old
Replies: 3
Views: 11082

Re: Need advice teaching a difficult 6 year old

Hi Vicky Got the T shirt! (or used to wear it!) I feel for you, and I know what you are going through. Sometimes no immediate solution. Sometimes kids start a taj too early for "proper" lessons, and I feel bass clef may be a touch early. Best to just stick with Treble clef for now/ games e...
by Colin Nicholson
01 Feb 2017, 18:13
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Finding a good home for an old piano
Replies: 7
Views: 16918

Re: Finding a good home for an old piano

You would never get an exact age to the year for this piano, partly because the suspected serial number is normally the location for a cabinet or stock number, and probably should only be four digits not five. Impossible to check because the name of the piano is not known to the world. In cases like...
by Colin Nicholson
31 Jan 2017, 18:23
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buying my first piano!
Replies: 13
Views: 25599

Re: Buying my first piano!

I am assuming the dealer is not a tuner? (sometimes presumed, but dealers are often just dealers) The tuning visits may vary at first, but I would estimate every 6 months which is the norm. As the piano is dated 2009, I don't know when it was last tuned / tuned in the shop? If the pitch has slipped,...
by Colin Nicholson
31 Jan 2017, 17:03
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buying my first piano!
Replies: 13
Views: 25599

Re: Buying my first piano!

Excellent choice! Should give you years of pleasure. I have the K5 Kawai (2013), and ideal for my teaching & performance. One thing you should consider is to fit a "Hydroceel" humidifier tube inside the top, and coupled with a digital thermometer and hygrometer that sits on your piano ...
by Colin Nicholson
31 Jan 2017, 13:57
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: First Paino Advice on Rogers Upright
Replies: 10
Views: 19928

Re: First Paino Advice on Rogers Upright

Something we never know about a piano, even after a professional inspection is tuning stability - this is the period of time after it has been tuned, then allowed to settle in time. Stability means how long it will stay in tune.... the only person who knows this is the previous owner, if they have h...
by Colin Nicholson
31 Jan 2017, 03:37
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Finding a good home for an old piano
Replies: 7
Views: 16918

Re: Finding a good home for an old piano

For someone even to be given this piano/ restorer etc.... the cost of the removal would be 10 times more than the value of the piano, unless someone had their own van. Also, the condition of the casework/ huge contrasts in veneer colour/ fading/ sun bleached etc.... quite an expensive process to str...
by Colin Nicholson
30 Jan 2017, 12:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: First Paino Advice on Rogers Upright
Replies: 10
Views: 19928

Re: First Paino Advice on Rogers Upright

Caroline, You are nearly there, so don't give up just yet! OK.... ring Brian (sorry, I don't know who he is or anyone else in your area), and ask for a quote, giving approx. distance. If he agrees, and you are happy with the price, then contact the seller for their full address and phone number.... ...
by Colin Nicholson
29 Jan 2017, 13:29
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: First Paino Advice on Rogers Upright
Replies: 10
Views: 19928

Re: First Paino Advice on Rogers Upright

Hi Caroline, If you speak to any local piano tuner in your area (just Google "Piano Tuners in London" / example city), they will probably just charge a call-out fee for checking the piano over, so prices may vary depending on location/ for example, if you live about 20 miles away from civi...
by Colin Nicholson
28 Jan 2017, 12:04
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: First Paino Advice on Rogers Upright
Replies: 10
Views: 19928

Re: First Paino Advice on Rogers Upright

No 2nd piano bought privately can be 100% reliable and its "worth"/ rating/ name , unless an inspection is made first. The name in general is a good reference to start from, but it also depends on what you paid and condition. We know the approximate retail value of these pianos, so it's se...
by Colin Nicholson
28 Jan 2017, 10:28
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Finding a good home for an old piano
Replies: 7
Views: 16918

Re: Finding a good home for an old piano

You haven't said whereabouts you live? .... that is very important. Town or city name will do for now. Also access for piano.... ground floor? ...... steps? You will need to very patient to sell your piano. You will also be desperate for the space to put your newer piano in place? Will be much earli...
by Colin Nicholson
26 Jan 2017, 03:00
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Out of tune lowest notes only
Replies: 8
Views: 17337

Re: Out of tune lowest notes only

The serial number looks genuine, but dated 1972 - so not too far out. Given manufacturing time, wrest plank resting time/ drying out etc could be a few years earlier, so for sake of argument say around 1970.... so nearly half a century old. Pianos this age have every reason to have small defects and...
by Colin Nicholson
25 Jan 2017, 08:53
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Out of tune lowest notes only
Replies: 8
Views: 17337

Re: Out of tune lowest notes only

Something not quite right here (one of my hunches!) -- OK, the member wondered what the heck was going on with losing stability, yet, the tuner just came back to tune those singles THREE times? -is that it? Surely some questions would be asked with answers? I might have hit a chord with what the tun...
by Colin Nicholson
24 Jan 2017, 12:55
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Vosemar upright from H. Sharples & Son, Blackburn
Replies: 11
Views: 17891

Re: Vosemar upright from H. Sharples & Son, Blackburn

Just be careful the bridle tapes don't start to break off when looking for numbers with action out. They look OK at the moment, but when an action of this age is removed, the undercarriages/ jacks are now suspended by the tapes so they don't dislocate because they are no longer resting on the key ca...
by Colin Nicholson
24 Jan 2017, 03:17
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Out of tune lowest notes only
Replies: 8
Views: 17337

Re: Out of tune lowest notes only

Losing tuning stability can be an issue for grand pianos around forty years old and older (when they reach 40, they ARE classed as being "old" - usually applies to the trade). As the wrest plank tapers out in the bass, same thickness of maple, but narrower than the rest - can be issues.......