Bechstein Rebuilders

Number32 · Post by **Number32** » 15 May 2008, 16:20

Hi,
I'm an American citizen who wishes to acquire a rebuilt Bechstein B, preferably from the 1910-1920s. Virtually none are available in the US, and so I'm turning my attention abroad.
I've noticed numerous rebuilders in the UK and Germany, and wonder if anybody can suggest rebuilders with impeccable experience and reputation.
I intend to make a trip out to try any piano before purchasing, of course.
Any additional suggestions would be warmly welcomed!
Thank you so much in advance.

jackg · Post by **jackg** » 15 May 2008, 17:21

Barry Caradine in suffolk: www.caradine.co.uk
Phil Taylor in Nottingham: www.pianos4me.co.uk
although I am unconvinced by his argument for shimming soundboards to restore the crown.
www.Cheltenham-piano-centre.co.uk
Ex Bluthner personnel: http://www.pianorestorations.co.uk/

Clapped out Bechsteins go for less than £1k (more like £500) in the UK so you pay the labour in the purchase price of a restored one. The question I would ask is in which country are the labour costs of rebuilding lower, UK or USA? In other words is it better to buy a clapped out one then to ship it to the USA and get it rebuilt over there or to buy a rebuilt one here?
and if it was me buying one I would get a Rosewood one or even a decorated one, eg arts and craft or similar. Black pianos are not for me.

There are auctions as well, but CAVEAT EMPTOR.
www.pianoauctions.co.uk they have results on the web site so you can see what prices are realised, but add 15% commission price to the figure.
and
www.bonhams.co.uk

There are plenty of artisans masquerading as craftsmen so be careful

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 15 May 2008, 20:35

I have no experience of Phil Taylor, but I think forum member 'sirprize' rates him highly. As for the others, I'd agree entirely with jackg. You can't go wrong with any of them.

Beware those who use Poles, and the "craftsmen"

tuna · Post by **tuna** » 16 May 2008, 23:26

I would also vouch for Phil Taylors work, he has a few different rebuilt ones at the moment, B, C, D & E I seem to remember.

He taught me in Newark for a while, he's one of the good guys...........

sirprize · Post by **sirprize** » 17 May 2008, 07:02

Without a doubt Phil Taylor http://www.pianos4me.co.uk/. I think he still has a Model C and an E both of which he has restored from scratch. I haven't tried the E but his 'C' has one of the very last UK-made Langer actions. Phil makes his own bass strings. He DID have two Cs and I put a deposit down on one of them but I couldn't sort out my accomodation and it went elsewhere. Now I can't afford the other C but it's a wonderful instrument at a very good price. I'd always been disappointed by all the Bechstein restorations I'd previously tried - they all sounded 'wooden' - till I heard Phil's. I just wish I had the room and the dosh to buy one of his Bechstein grands!

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 17 May 2008, 08:03

Blimey.

I don't doubt he's good, but somebody please tell him to do something about that shocking website. Spelling errors, poor grammar and a completely unattractive layout do him no favours.

mdw · Post by **mdw** » 17 May 2008, 08:47

PianoGuy wrote:Blimey.

I don't doubt he's good, but somebody please tell him to do something about that shocking website. Spelling errors, poor grammar and a completely unattractive layout do him no favours.

It does look a bit pants so its a good thing people are after him for his piano skills. On the otherhand there are plenty of lovely shiney web sites out there where the standard of piano work is s**t and as a tech you can tell that even from the photos without having to see the stock in person. You pays you money etc!!!
The total c**p I have read on web sites over the years is amazing. Even from people who should know better. Its seems to be "over egg the pudding" time on some sites.

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 17 May 2008, 10:53

mdw wrote:
On the otherhand there are plenty of lovely shiney web sites out there where the standard of piano work is s**t and as a tech you can tell that even from the photos without having to see the stock in person. You pays you money etc!!!
The total c**p I have read on web sites over the years is amazing. Even from people who should know better. Its seems to be "over egg the pudding" time on some sites.

I totally agree with that too.....

sirprize · Post by **sirprize** » 20 May 2008, 23:31

Very sensitive subject.....dyselxia perhaps?.....is Phil aware of his spelling etc?......and its possible effect on his potential customers? I wish he'd give his content to someone else to proof-read. Phil, if you're reading this please don't take it the wrong way. Your work is obviously held in high regard by many people

Number32 · Post by **Number32** » 21 May 2008, 04:17

Thank you all for the very helpful information you've kindly provided!

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 21 May 2008, 07:09

sirprize wrote:Very sensitive subject.....dyselxia perhaps?.....is Phil aware of his spelling etc?......and its possible effect on his potential customers? I wish he'd give his content to someone else to proof-read. Phil, if you're reading this please don't take it the wrong way. Your work is obviously held in high regard by many people

Good point.

I believe our Barrie is dyslexic, but his websites don't seem to suffer in the same way. Proof reading is the answer I reckon!

Number32 · Post by **Number32** » 22 May 2008, 07:13

Hi all,
Just a few more questions. Does anybody have any experience (or knowledge about) the following rebuilders?

Courtney Pianos -- they claim to be Bechstein specialists
Besbrode Pianos -- they also claim to rebuild many Bechsteins
Thornhill Pianos.

Thank you all once again! -- Mark

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 22 May 2008, 09:01

PianoGuy wrote:
Good point.

I believe our Barrie is dyslexic, but his websites don't seem to suffer in the same way. Proof reading is the answer I reckon!

Yes I am, dyslexic folk tend to have good hearing or so the experts say. Maybe that is why there seem to be a few tuners around with the problem.

As to proof reading I use a company in Canada for proof reading websites including this one

Barrie,

UK Piano Page Piano Forum

Bechstein Rebuilders

Bechstein Rebuilders

Thank you!

Further Rebuilding Inquiry