A. Bord Piano

[Jane Stephens]

I have looked through the A. Bord topics and fear my query is much the same as others ... sorry, but I could'nt find the answer I needed! Should I hang onto it? We were given an elderly piano recently by a Belgian gentleman of 100 and have hung onto it for sentimental reasons, despite it being out of tune and probably needing more than just tuning! It has a number of names and numbers on it. I wondered if you might be able to give me some further information and advice. The value of it is not really relevant as we would like it for children to learn on. I did notice from other postings that some of the pianos are not great for this purpose.

On the Left
18332 G. Hamelle

Centre
Chas Stiles and Co

Right
E4099 P.Mazery

114941 as well as the signature of A. Bord

Thank you.

[Bill Kibby]

The number suggests 1907. There is a lot of snobbery involved with these matters, and some people will reject without consideration anything which does not conform to modern specifications. If we continue like that we will have no history. These little Bord pianos often perform well if they are in good order, but most have reached an age where the tuner's efforts may be in vain! I can only say (as I always say) ask your local tuner to look at it. Many children have to learn on worse pianos, but a lot depends on its condition.

[joseph]

Don't always be put off by what you think is a bad piano. It may be that your piano isn't great but. . .

..... my first piano was a terrible straight strung upright with a split soundboard, a birdcage action which didn't even know that a note could repeat, and pedals that never worked properly. Somehow, I was in love with this piano and it took me to grade 5.

Looking back, i'd have preferred a lovely new grand (which I have now) but at the time I was obsessed with this funny little upright, and while I'm not Ashkenazy, I have performed a fair amount of the famous concertos including Rach 2, and Tchaik 1, so you know, if your child is into music, then they will love their piano!

[Jane Stephens]

Great, many thanks for the helpful replies.