Search found 4028 matches

by Gill the Piano
04 Jun 2017, 14:11
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Harper & Eavestaff questions
Replies: 5
Views: 11508

Re: Two more questions

Thanks Bill - you're a wonder!
by Gill the Piano
03 Jun 2017, 20:02
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Harper & Eavestaff questions
Replies: 5
Views: 11508

Re: Two more questions

Sorry, should have said: Holloway London for the Harper, and the Eavestaff is a tall upright which looks 1920s (oval panel, no marquetry and no sconces/sconce holes).
by Gill the Piano
02 Jun 2017, 17:04
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Harper & Eavestaff questions
Replies: 5
Views: 11508

Harper & Eavestaff questions

A London built Harper, no 5099 and an Eavestaff number 71013. Can find nothing in Pierce's...can you help please, Bill?
by Gill the Piano
28 May 2017, 12:22
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: buy a KRAUSE OF 1910??
Replies: 1
Views: 8843

Re: buy a KRAUSE OF 1910??

You seem to have been careful, in asking your tuner, and well advised by him. Ultimately if it's structurally sound, you are aware of potential future restoration and you like it - and the price seems fair to you - then go for it. I like good quality older German instruments too and have tuned a few...
by Gill the Piano
25 May 2017, 15:27
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Is this a "spinet" piano?
Replies: 3
Views: 12686

Re: Is this a "spinet" piano?

The extra charge for tuning the 1930s Eavestaff is to cover osteopathy and counselling afterwards...
by Gill the Piano
25 May 2017, 15:23
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Mystery!
Replies: 4
Views: 8713

Re: Mystery!

No, it was a cast cartouche like the C&C one on old Collards, or the one on Witton pianos, and it was definitely an S and an H.
by Gill the Piano
18 May 2017, 19:34
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Mystery!
Replies: 4
Views: 8713

Re: Mystery!

No, the label was well rubbed. It may have begun with an E. Couldn't see any action numbers. Sorry! The spurious Collard stencil and the holes in the fall led me to believe that it had been doctored in WWI to conceal its German origins.
by Gill the Piano
18 May 2017, 17:59
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Is this a "spinet" piano?
Replies: 3
Views: 12686

Re: Is this a "spinet" piano?

We'd call it a mini piano - spinet is largely an american design, where the keyboard is 'supported' by two fairly spindly legs. However Kemble made something similar here. As to whether it will tune like an ordinary piano depends on whetre the tuning pins are. If they can be seen by opening the lid ...
by Gill the Piano
18 May 2017, 17:51
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Mystery!
Replies: 4
Views: 8713

Mystery!

So today I tuned an overstrung overdamper which had been 'restored' (ahem) and had a 'Collard & Collard' stencil on the fall. However, there were 4 holes in the fall (where a name plate had been taken off) and on a cartouche cast into the frame, the letters S H, separated by a lyre. The action w...
by Gill the Piano
17 May 2017, 16:18
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Need help to determine grand piano price
Replies: 3
Views: 10910

Re: Need help to determine grand piano price

It's impossible to value a piano from a few pictures/video. Ask your regular tuner's opinion, or if you haven't had it tuned (naughty!) get a local tuner/tech in to tune and value it. S/he will know the local market for pianos like yours.
by Gill the Piano
16 May 2017, 15:04
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Newbie buying a piano. Advice please.
Replies: 9
Views: 19151

Re: Newbie buying a piano. Advice please.

But you have to remember that buying a piano from a piano teacher can be like buying a second hand car from a taxi driver...!
by Gill the Piano
11 May 2017, 19:50
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Newbie buying a piano. Advice please.
Replies: 9
Views: 19151

Re: Newbie buying a piano. Advice please.

Welmars and Squires and Kembles are worth looking at too.
by Gill the Piano
10 May 2017, 16:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Newbie buying a piano. Advice please.
Replies: 9
Views: 19151

Re: Newbie buying a piano. Advice please.

I tuned a Knight three months back that hadn't been tuned for thirty years (!!!! :shock: ) and it came up a semitone to concert pitch with no broken strings and after a double tuning was holding surprisingly well. The Knights of that era are good solid reliable beasts - IF they have been looked afte...
by Gill the Piano
09 May 2017, 22:28
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Newbie buying a piano. Advice please.
Replies: 9
Views: 19151

Re: Newbie buying a piano. Advice please.

Ideally: overstrung, underdamped, iron frame (very few wooden framed ones left now though) and at concert pitch, with every note working. This still doesn't guarantee it will be worth having as some problems aren't immediately obvious. Might be worth asking your tuner whether s/he knows of anyone se...
by Gill the Piano
04 May 2017, 18:29
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: ABRSM Syllabus
Replies: 3
Views: 12755

Re: ABRSM Syllabus

It would be the Easter of the year AFTER the final date on the front of the exam book...so if it says 2017 -2018 then Easter 2019 will be your last chance. Entries have to be in a couple of months before, I think; check the ABRSM website, or perhaps Colin (who teaches) will be able to give you exact...
by Gill the Piano
17 Mar 2017, 19:55
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: The Video I Saw
Replies: 3
Views: 12254

Re: The Video I Saw

Try the book 'The Complete Piano Player ' Book 1 by Kenneth Baker. It uses songs you know (Abba, Elvis, Beatles, etc) and is designed for a person learning on their own.
by Gill the Piano
06 Mar 2017, 19:26
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Quick upright hammer hardening?
Replies: 3
Views: 12261

Re: Quick upright hammer hardening?

Alcohol is an old trick. Works on arteries too if you drink enough...
by Gill the Piano
04 Mar 2017, 18:54
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1271768

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

Bought an old piano/music dealer receipt for my collection today - a woman, unusually, Ann Sabin whose shop was 25 Bull Street. Is Bull Street still in Brum or is it underneath the Bullring?
by Gill the Piano
03 Mar 2017, 20:35
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1271768

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

Don't tell us; tell them!
by Gill the Piano
01 Mar 2017, 17:27
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1271768

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

Don't REALLY want one...? :mrgreen:
by Gill the Piano
01 Mar 2017, 17:25
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere
Replies: 96
Views: 99569

Re: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere

Have you considered earplugs? Or are you required to interact with Joe Public who might take a dim view of having to shriek at you?
by Gill the Piano
28 Feb 2017, 17:49
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1271768

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

dave brum wrote: Alas, I have no piano.....

Told you so....
by Gill the Piano
27 Feb 2017, 17:16
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1271768

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

If you really wanted to upset T, there's the bagpipes of course...

The moderation seems v. draconian on their forum. I think perhaps they take themselves far too seriously sometimes - levity and debate not encouraged!
by Gill the Piano
27 Feb 2017, 17:10
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What tune have we had on our minds today??
Replies: 413
Views: 372031

Re: What tune have we had on our minds today??

Wotcher, Gizzy - long time no hear! Today's earworm; Nut Rocker (Bee Bumble and the Stingers).
by Gill the Piano
25 Feb 2017, 19:48
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere
Replies: 96
Views: 99569

Re: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere

If it were paper it'd be hanging in the Throne Room, you mean.
by Gill the Piano
24 Feb 2017, 18:12
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere
Replies: 96
Views: 99569

Re: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere

Ooo, must be bad. Like the HSBC bank or worse?
by Gill the Piano
16 Feb 2017, 21:04
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1271768

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

You'll be after another before the year's out!
by Gill the Piano
16 Feb 2017, 21:02
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What tune have we had on our minds today??
Replies: 413
Views: 372031

Re: What tune have we had on our minds today??

Soft Cell; Say Hello, Wave Goodbye.
by Gill the Piano
11 Feb 2017, 18:03
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere
Replies: 96
Views: 99569

Re: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere

Heard of him, but couldn't tell you what he sings. If singing is what he does.
by Gill the Piano
09 Feb 2017, 18:41
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1271768

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

You'll be sorry... :cry:
by Gill the Piano
08 Feb 2017, 18:28
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What tune have we had on our minds today??
Replies: 413
Views: 372031

Re: What tune have we had on our minds today??

Ooo no, reminds me of the impenetrable mind numbing boredom and misery that is televised sport... :evil:
by Gill the Piano
07 Feb 2017, 18:32
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere
Replies: 96
Views: 99569

Re: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere

I still have T.W.O.The Goons somewhere!
by Gill the Piano
07 Feb 2017, 18:29
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Need advice teaching a difficult 6 year old
Replies: 3
Views: 11114

Re: Need advice teaching a difficult 6 year old

Colin Nicholson wrote:
Personally, I wouldn't compare Joe Bloggs to your pupil - parents often don't like comparisons, and it may make the kid cry.
:roll: :twisted: :mrgreen: And that's why I don't teach... :lol:
by Gill the Piano
06 Feb 2017, 16:46
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Need advice teaching a difficult 6 year old
Replies: 3
Views: 11114

Re: Need advice teaching a difficult 6 year old

This is exactly why I don't teach! Does she WANT to learn or is mummy making her do it? I would never have dared say NO to my teacher - I had too much respect, tinged with a tiny bit of the fear that all teachers used to inspire. Could you use pride - say';Oh, is it too hard for you? My (fictitious)...
by Gill the Piano
05 Feb 2017, 15:45
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere
Replies: 96
Views: 99569

Re: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere

Or Jimmy Clitheroe or Leslie Phillips...
by Gill the Piano
05 Feb 2017, 15:44
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What are we listening to right now?
Replies: 12
Views: 22294

Re: What are we listening to right now?

Can't beat a good sackbutt...although a serpent is well worth having.
by Gill the Piano
04 Feb 2017, 19:12
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1271768

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

Personally I find practising the guitar reduces me to gibbering rage rather than taking me to nirvana...but I'm hanging on in there.
by Gill the Piano
03 Feb 2017, 19:37
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What tune have we had on our minds today??
Replies: 413
Views: 372031

Re: What tune have we had on our minds today??

Who he? Since reading your post I now have Genesis going round my brain...
by Gill the Piano
03 Feb 2017, 19:35
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1271768

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

Depends on your disposition. I have lots of customers who say it relaxes them as they can't think about anything else whilst practising.
by Gill the Piano
03 Feb 2017, 19:33
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Songs that President Donald J.Trump might like
Replies: 13
Views: 20555

Re: Songs that President Donald J.Trump might like

Love that one...but I don't thing the Trump actually cares what God or Jesus think of him! :D
by Gill the Piano
02 Feb 2017, 17:17
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere
Replies: 96
Views: 99569

Re: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere

Old enough to know better, too...
by Gill the Piano
02 Feb 2017, 17:16
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1271768

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

Absolutely. Teachers seem to build up a terrific fund of knowledge that they're only too pleased to share with you. Met one such today; three seconds to fix piano's problem and an hour to have a cuppa and put the world to rights...
by Gill the Piano
30 Jan 2017, 18:19
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Songs that President Donald J.Trump might like
Replies: 13
Views: 20555

Re: Songs that President Donald J.Trump might like

Nobody Likes Me Everybody Hates Me I'm Going Down The Garden To Eat Worms...
by Gill the Piano
28 Jan 2017, 15:04
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Songs that President Donald J.Trump might like
Replies: 13
Views: 20555

Re: Songs that President Donald J.Trump might like

Big Spender... You're So Vain...Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better...
by Gill the Piano
27 Jan 2017, 18:05
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere
Replies: 96
Views: 99569

Re: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere

I will never understand the appeal of Morrisey...miserable little ****** indeed.
by Gill the Piano
25 Jan 2017, 18:04
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1271768

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

That would explain my iggerance; I hate G&S!
by Gill the Piano
24 Jan 2017, 17:20
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere
Replies: 96
Views: 99569

Re: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere

Correct. It's so samey now - and god forbid they should have any comedy songs in the charts now...not sure there's such a thing as humour in music any more. Not intentional, anyway.
by Gill the Piano
24 Jan 2017, 17:18
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1271768

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

I love yumyums but have to avoid them unless I want the diabetic nurse after my blood.,,no idea what the others are - reference to an obscure song?
by Gill the Piano
23 Jan 2017, 19:29
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What tune have we had on our minds today??
Replies: 413
Views: 372031

Re: What tune have we had on our minds today??

I love seeing the spellcheck thing underlining everything in my Welsh emus. I hope one day to give it a nervous breakdown. Bendegedig!
by Gill the Piano
23 Jan 2017, 19:26
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere
Replies: 96
Views: 99569

Re: Co-op Radio. For deaf people everywhere

Never liked The Artist Formerly Known As Squiggle. Hugely overrated.