Alstran upright

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mick_bayliss
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Alstran upright

Post by mick_bayliss »

Hi - anyone know anything about this brand? I'm a piano novice and have the opportunity to buy a 1935, recently (2 years ago) professionally restrung upright Alstran. Can't find anything online about them (literally NO reference) which I imagine isn't a good sign... the model in question is mahogany and looks in decent condition in the large photograph I've seen, but before I travel to see/hear it, does anyone have any knowledge of/advice regarding Alstan?
NewAge
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Re: Alstran upright

Post by NewAge »

The experts should be along shortly to give their advise, but it's not a name that I can recall ever hearing or reading about.
Also can you advise how many keys it has. Is it over or underdamped, straight or cross-strung?
Always wise to get any used piano checked-out by a tuner/tech before purchase.
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MarkGoodwinPianos
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Re: Alstran upright

Post by MarkGoodwinPianos »

What is the asking price?
Can you upload some photos of the inside and outside of the piano? We can give a very rough valuation that way but for a specific valuation you'll need to hire a local technician to help you.
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mick_bayliss
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Re: Alstran upright

Post by mick_bayliss »

This is the only pic I have, but shows how many keys and general exterior condition (not too bad). Asking price is around £200...
This is the only pic I have, but shows how many keys and general exterior condition (not too bad). Asking price is around £200...
rgreig
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Re: Alstran upright

Post by rgreig »

The obvious question is why the current owner bothered getting it restrung?? Presumably that cost more than the asking price and more than it was ever going to be worth....

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Johnkie
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Re: Alstran upright

Post by Johnkie »

Sadly, the photo doesn't tell us very much. The name is most likely just a name that had been applied and bears no relationship to the manufacturer. If indeed, it was re-strung 2 years ago, it would have cost considerably more than the current asking price ..... a set of replacement bass strings and fitting alone, would cost more than that !

Without detailed photographs of the inner workings it is impossible to give any idea as to whether it's worth even the cost of travel to try it out. Without a doubt, the best course of action would be to have an inspection undertaken by a professional tuner/technician that is local to where the piano is.
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Colin Nicholson
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Re: Alstran upright

Post by Colin Nicholson »

I would be very careful about this one! Re-strung...... and only for £200!! - NAH! sounds dodgy - is this a private sale?. Not sure here, but it looks straight-strung by the left hand key block. A photo of the insides will confirm.

I would definitely get the piano checked over and ask a tuner to attempt to tune it. Restringing (and re-pinning) and old piano like this with an 70 yr old wrest plank may spell danger. You would also assume that the dampers have been replaced if restrung - but if its over-damped, and looks like a bird cage inside.... (ahem) - approach with caution.....

Looks tidy enough, but if the name was known - should retail over £1K at least.

Try all the notes and check to make sure the piano sounds in tune....
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vernon
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Re: Alstran upright

Post by vernon »

Retail over £ 1kl !!!?

You must be barmy.
More like £1.00
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