Advice Needed On Zender/Schwander Piano

[dollydaydream]

Good afternoon everyone!

I feel a bit of a traitor posting on here actually as we are looking for some advice about a piano my Mum and Dad bought for me many years ago (when I was 12 - I'm 36 now!). YOu will see why in a moment..

It has unfortunately been hardly used and slightly abused since my girls came along and Grandma and Grandad took on Saturday babysitting duties. :o(

Mum has googled the piano and says it's a Schwander movement (it is marked inside that this is the case) and she has found a Zender piano exactly the same. It's a beautiful thing, in cherry wood.

She is wanting to sell it because she needs the space (much to my children's dismay!) and I said I'd help her as I feel bad that she bought it for me and I gave up playing (because my teacher was creepy, but I never told them that).

She has been in touch with a dealer who never actually got back to her. But we're trying to find out as much as we can and hopefully send it on it's way to a loving home. It needs some TLC as it makes quite a twang when some keys are played..but I'm sure this is easily remedied (? maybe?).

I will try and post some photographs, and if anyone could offer any more information on it's history or where we could get to get more info, or suggest how we might find it a loving home we would appreciate it. Maybe you know of a dealer in the Yorkshire area who would be able to help?

If I had the space I'd take it on myself, but we are full.

Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to offer. We're in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Best wishes
Dolly

[NewAge]

Good afternoon everyone!

I feel a bit of a traitor posting on here actually as we are looking for some advice about a piano my Mum and Dad bought for me many years ago (when I was 12 - I'm 36 now!). YOu will see why in a moment..

It has unfortunately been hardly used and slightly abused since my girls came along and Grandma and Grandad took on Saturday babysitting duties. (

Mum has googled the piano and says it's a Schwander movement (it is marked inside that this is the case) and she has found a Zender piano exactly the same. It's a beautiful thing, in cherry wood.

She is wanting to sell it because she needs the space (much to my children's dismay!) and I said I'd help her as I feel bad that she bought it for me and I gave up playing (because my teacher was creepy, but I never told them that).

She has been in touch with a dealer who never actually got back to her. But we're trying to find out as much as we can and hopefully send it on it's way to a loving home. It needs some TLC as it makes quite a twang when some keys are played..but I'm sure this is easily remedied (? maybe?).

I will try and post some photographs, and if anyone could offer any more information on it's history or where we could get to get more info, or suggest how we might find it a loving home we would appreciate it. Maybe you know of a dealer in the Yorkshire area who would be able to help?

If I had the space I'd take it on myself, but we are full.

Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to offer. We're in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
Best wishes Dolly

I'll leave it to the experts here to comment on the pros/cons of a Zender/Schwander piano. However in the meantime here's a thought:
At 36 you are still a young lass - relatively speaking. Why not give some serious thought to learning now with another teacher. Just imagine how pleased that would make your parents feel especially as it's a piano they originally purchased for you. And how proud they'd be to hear you playing reasonably well in a very short period of time - and to hear their grandchildren too - if given the chance with a good teacher or local music department.
Now to consider the piano itself. You say if you had the space yourself you would take it on - but are full. This sounds like an excuse for not really wanting it. Just consider for a second the fairly small footprint of an upright piano. I have witnessed so many people who have shuffled around carefully positioned furniture in order to 'squeeze in' an upright piano, and never regretted it. (We're not considering a grand piano here - right?). If you really wanted to, I'm sure you could find room.
Regarding the 'twang when some keys are played', I'm certain that's a simple issue that a tuner/tech could rapidly resolve. Get them to perform a tune and a regulation - you'll be amazed at the difference that makes, and you'll have a very playable piano at your disposition.
If the children get to learning - motivate them - and you'll have a great time playing and comparing songs and progress together. Unfortunately with tv, video games etc the joys of a family around a piano tends to be a scene from the past. Don't allow it to be. You've got a fascinating adventure ahead - if you want it to happen!
I took up piano again a lot older than you are, and now making splendid progress. The only regret is I didn't do it at 36.......!
Please keep us informed how you decide.

[NewAge]

Love your post PianoLove.