Kemble Classic 1981-1990
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Kemble Classic 1981-1990
I'm after a little advice on the above piano , to start things off i have no clue about pianos 'etc.
The above piano belonged to my Grandad whom purchased it from Chappell in 1983 its been sitting in my Nans house for years now since he died (15 years) unfortunatly my Nan is unable to live on her own anymore so she has moved into her Daughters house :) , the house (my Nans) is being sold and we need some advice on whom maybe interested in buying the piano as we do not have the room too keep it or even auctions that can store the unit for sale.
Its a shame it has to go as its a lovely looking unit.
Hope someone can help
Best Regards
Mark
- Barrie Heaton
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Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
They are a nice compact piano they sold a lot in the North of England. hold there tuning quite well and for the size quite a powerful piano
Barrie
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- Colin Nicholson
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Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
Firstly, Kemble is a good make - not brilliant money, but it also depends on its condition, and if stood for many years in cold/damp - the mechanism may need alot of work - so wont sell for much now.
There is a section on this forum that deals with Pianos for sale - click on "Board index" and find it near the top.
If you want an estimated appraisal here about how best to describe the piano when selling.... (never just write "wooden piano" !!!!) - we can give you an idea.... however we need to see a photo of the piano - clear & focussed (not sideways either) - and also a photo of the serial number. Lift the front panel off (clips inside) and you will see a serial number near the tuning pins - this will give us a rough indication of its age.
If not sure how to upload photos, go to the first post at the top of "Piano Advice" and follow the instructions there.
Then you need to decide whether to sell privately, auction, or though the trade.
Hope that helps
Colin
Colin Nicholson Dip. Mus. CMIT CLCM PTLLS
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Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
Thanks for the advice all, the piano was not sitting in a damp enviroment at all (front room). Would probably need a tune . I'll grab some photo's as requested and have a read like you said .
Regards
Mark
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Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990

Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
- Barrie Heaton
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Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
Kemble used Yamaha Actions but because the Classic was only 85 note they had to use the British made Herrburger Brooks action, Langer Model see Herrburger Brooks Historychrisw wrote:I purchased my Kemble Classic new in 1994. I would be interested to learn more about HB actions.
The Herrburger Brooks action was used by many piano makers around the world
Barrie
Web Master UK Piano Page
- Colin Nicholson
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Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
Around the time your piano was built, HB only had a few years to go before they closed down. Originally in London, then moved to Long Eaton, Derbyshire around 1920 - then they changed hands to Langer in 1999.
I was lucky enough to visit them in 1997. The machinery was fully automated, and aswell as producing all the wooden parts, machinery also created the bridle wires, check wires etc .... however, they still make actions, but not hammers.
Your action will be a standard bridle tape/ under-damped mechanism - the bridle tapes are usually red tipped, but some were green. Also will have a standard back-check and escapement like most modern actions.
Send a photo if you like ....
Colin Nicholson Dip. Mus. CMIT CLCM PTLLS
Piano tuning & repairs. Full UK restoration service
http://www.aatuners.com
Tuition ~ Accompaniment ~ Weddings
http://www.pianotime1964.com
Member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen
Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
- Barrie Heaton
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Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
The keys on a Classic are sloped down to accommodate the action strike line, so if you take the key out there is a wedge shaped bit at the front up-to just before the chase this is for plastic key top to sits on so that they are level to the pianist.
Barrie,
Web Master UK Piano Page
Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
Over the years I often think about upgrading to a smallish grand, but I am very attached to this British piano. I was heartened recently to hear that British piano making had resumed in a workshop between Skipton and Harrogate.
- Colin Nicholson
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Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
Colin Nicholson Dip. Mus. CMIT CLCM PTLLS
Piano tuning & repairs. Full UK restoration service
http://www.aatuners.com
Tuition ~ Accompaniment ~ Weddings
http://www.pianotime1964.com
Member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen
Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
Any fool can make a piano-- it needs a tuner to put the music in it
www.lochnesspianos.co.uk
Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
Re: Kemble Classic 1981-1990
Best U.K.built piano in recent times,nice tone,size and sought after.MarkE wrote:Hi
I'm after a little advice on the above piano , to start things off i have no clue about pianos 'etc.
The above piano belonged to my Grandad whom purchased it from Chappell in 1983 its been sitting in my Nans house for years now since he died (15 years) unfortunatly my Nan is unable to live on her own anymore so she has moved into her Daughters house, the house (my Nans) is being sold and we need some advice on whom maybe interested in buying the piano as we do not have the room too keep it or even auctions that can store the unit for sale.
Its a shame it has to go as its a lovely looking unit.
Hope someone can help
Best Regards
Mark