Bell Piano

Cgregory · Post by **Cgregory** » 20 Aug 2008, 21:27

Hi, I am new here and know almost nothing about pianos. I have just inherited a Bell Piano that looks to be in excellent condition (so I have been told by a piano teacher). I have found a serial number on the back plate: 39579 and wondered if anyone could point me in the right direction to find out the date of this piano. Also, How long does the piano have to sit before tuning and can itbe played during this time.
Any help would be much appreciated.

Catherine

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 21 Aug 2008, 00:00

Tuners vary in their opinions about how long after a move a piano should be tuned. It also depends if it was neglected before the move, how badly it suffered during the move etc., so it is all guesswork in the end. I would say a couple of weeks to settle in to the new climate. Playing it is neither here nor there. Watch out for the tuners who tell you not to play the piano for half an hour, that's just to give them time to get away!

As for details of Bell pianos, there were several firms named Bell, we need more information.

Cgregory · Post by **Cgregory** » 21 Aug 2008, 17:46

Thank you for your quick response and for the advise, much appreciated.

Where on the piano can I find more about it? I was told it was Canadian.

The only visible mark on the outside is BELL in capitals and in the middle . The number I found was when I pulled the front panel down underneath the keys. There was the number 39579 on the wood, a crest of some sort and MXB Type 2 on the metal part ??? could there be more marks somewhere else? There isn't anything obvious when I lift the top.
thanks again.
Regards
Catherine

Cgregory · Post by **Cgregory** » 21 Aug 2008, 22:17

ps
have just pulled the front off to have another look. On the iron is a crown not a crest... does this help?

Post by **Bill Kibby** » 22 Aug 2008, 10:54

MXB is a mark used on piano frames made at the Crown foundry in Britain, so this is not a Canadian Bell. The other options include...

BELL (Frederick) London
BELL (George) London
BELL (Henry) London
BELL (John F.) London
BELL (John Thomas) London
BELL (Marmaduke) London
BELL (Robert) London
BELL (The) BY EWING & M'INTOSH

Cgregory · Post by **Cgregory** » 22 Aug 2008, 19:25

Bill

Thank you for that.
I'll be able to start investigating in the right country now!
Regards
Catherine

okanaganbellowner · Post by **okanaganbellowner** » 04 Sep 2008, 18:05

I also have inherited a Bell piano. I can only find the patent numbers. My Bell was made in Guelph Ontario Canada. the three patent dates I found are 1900, 1903, 1904, 1905. I believe my Bell is called 'The Auto-Nola'. It is a 'player'. If anyone could guide me as to where I would find the serial number, I would be so grateful.