Old Brinsmead Grand

[fortepiano]

Would you comment on the potential for an old Brinsmead Grand, C. 1900 approx. 96 inches in length. It is overstrung but has the patent tuning system. The string work is original, the bass strings are "tubby" and sound very poor. There have been numerous broken or missing treble strings. The action is poor, it is a single lever action with cotton cords for the spring. These are old, fragile and breaking. The action is sluggish and generally unresponsive as a result of the design and wear. The last section of dampers don't fall readily and seem to be too close to the frame, suggesting the entire structure has moved with some enormous stresses. We understand has been heavily used. The hammers of the top two sections from about D 54 to top C 88 have been replaced with new Abel hammers on proper manufactured heads with exact profiles. The remaining hammers have been deeply worn, lacquered, and brutally needled at some time. The keys need re-bushing, there is considerable side movement looseness. The key tops have had old celluloid replaced with good, even plastic key tops. There are numerous cracks across the soundboard from rim to rim or plate to rim, some run under the treble bridge work. The tone is inconsistent, the tuning stability seems poor. The case has warped and the front piece that conceals the tuning mechanism is almost impossible to remove. The long side of the case has severe splitting across the veneer inside the case where the head of the tuning plate meets the case wall. The general condition of the case, veneer and polish is poor, veneer has chipped away or split. Is this a valuable piano? Is it worth restoring or repairing, and at what sort of expense? Can you give an idea of it's monetary value in this sort of condition on todays market.

[mdw]

Is it worth restoring or repairing, and at what sort of expense? Can you give an idea of it's monetary value in this sort of condition on todays market.

Probably not.
Lots.
Nothing.

[joseph]

to be honest, it sounds like it needs a total rebuild including a new action.

for a standard grand piano (bluthner, bechstein, steinway etc) it costs about 15 thousand to rebuild, with a new soundboard, action, tuning plank, etc etc

the action and tuning plank for your piano would have to be bespoke made, because of the tuning plank etc, so it would cost lots more.

The piano at the end of the day would not be worth what you spend on it, and you could get a fabulous new grand piano for the same money, like a Yamaha C3 or Kawai RX3 which are both brilliant instruments.

I'd say don't spend the money.

[A440]

You can't judge a book by it's cover, but you can judge a piano by it's case. The piano has got very damp at some stage. It can be difficult to let go, but if it was a car in such condition you would pay to have it towed away.
November 5th is only a few days away- do everyone a favour!

[vernon]

A440 speaks with the wisdom of the ages.
November the 5th is the answer. No contest, as my younger siblings would say.

[David B]

the action and tuning plank for your piano would have to be bespoke made, because of the tuning plank etc, so it would cost lots more.

Except of course, there isn't a "tuning plank". If its the Brinsmead patent tuning system, as we are told that it is, then there is no wrestplank, the strings are held entirely within the iron frame.

[joseph]

wow i'd never have thought!

[pianotechman]

Sorry Fortepiano, I think yours is beyond the pale mate, just too much work for the quality of the instrument. Out of interest, How come it's only got half a set of new hammers?!