Keys for Eavestaff W.H. Barnes Minipiano

Ask questions on piano history and the age of your piano.

Moderators: Feg, Gill the Piano, Bill Kibby

Post Reply
alrago
New Member
New Member
Posts: 3
Joined: 21 Aug 2014, 19:30

Keys for Eavestaff W.H. Barnes Minipiano

Post by alrago »

I'm interesting in learning more about a 1930s Eavestaff W.H. Barnes Minipiano, specifically interested in the composition of the instrument's keys. Upon inspection it appears the keys are not made of ivory, as a grain is not noticeable in comparison to the keys of a Steinway. Is it typical for Eavestaff 1930s minipiano to have ivory keys?

I'm attaching an image of the piano, and I can provide a detail image if necessary.

Thank you in advance for your assistance with my inquiry!
A&L
Attachments
Image of piano overall
Image of piano overall
User avatar
Bill Kibby
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 5687
Joined: 04 Jun 2003, 19:25
Location: Lincolnshire UK
Contact:

Re: Keys for Eavestaff W.H. Barnes Minipiano

Post by Bill Kibby »

These little pianos wouldn't compare to a Steinway in any way, and although they are still popular with some owners, they are unlikely to have ivory keys, I can't recall ever seeing them with ivory, and one would not expect ivory in the cheaper end of the market.

How does your tuner get on with it? Is it holding in tune?

Is there a serial number inside the tuning flap under the keys?
Piano History Centre
http://pianohistory.info
Email via my website.
If you find old references or links on this site to pianogen.org, they should refer to pianohistory.info
User avatar
Colin Nicholson
Executive Poster
Executive Poster
Posts: 1704
Joined: 04 Jul 2010, 19:15
Location: Morpeth, Northumberland
Contact:

Re: Keys for Eavestaff W.H. Barnes Minipiano

Post by Colin Nicholson »

I'm a little surprised that you asked about the keys, yet the photo is just for general view.... however,
all minis I have tuned / repaired/ restored in the past have had celluloid key coverings, not ivory. The keys are shorter than your average piano, and occasionally 'stick' because the balance weight is not quite there. At the back of each key, it will look to be split in two.... each one is bushed and has a leather 'bullet' (acting as a pin) to connect the lift rods.

See http://www.aatuners.com/restoration-i-uprights.html
[scroll about 1/2 way down - this is one I restored with real art deco electric sconces]

If you remove the rear panel (about 10 screws), it will show the 'suspended' mechanism.... and everything in reverse!
The tuning pins are double-breasted, meaning they pass through the wrest plank - one end is tuned (front), and the rear end the strings are attached to. If you book a piano tuner, they must recline the whole mechanism & keyboard together to get the muting strip in.... and with this piano being mostly bi-chords, the tuner will have to work out a system to tune each alternating right & left string.... depending on how tight the tuning pins are.

Very attractive pianos to look at, but tuning one comes at a cost....
AA Piano Tuners UK

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
Gill the Piano
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4032
Joined: 25 Oct 2003, 19:39
Location: Thames Valley

Re: Keys for Eavestaff W.H. Barnes Minipiano

Post by Gill the Piano »

Colin Nicholson wrote:Very attractive pianos to look at, but tuning one comes at a cost....
...to cover the tuner's osteopathy bills!
I play for my own amazement... :piano;
Post Reply