Rubinstein Piano

[barrymorgan]

There was a previous question about Rubinstein pianos. I have just bought a Rubinstein piano which was sold as new in 2010 from a music shop. I was told it was originally brought to the UK from a large piano showroom (manufactured there?) in Holland and that it is based on German parts.
However, I cannot find any information on the net about these pianos. Any more ideas on whewre you can find information on Rubinstein pianos, and why it is so difficult to track?

[Colin Nicholson]

One thing you need to remember is that although the name may be stamped, embossed, decalled or brass-inlaid (or a plaque) on the fallboard [the lid that covers the keys] it is not necessarily a manufacturer's name. Rubenstein (according to my book, and sometimes spelt Rub'e'n) are a 'stencil piano' .... meaning that it was probably shipped over from Germany as a 'blank' piano, then another piano company or piano workshop would then think of some wonderful name to put on it!.... and many names of pianos simulated great composer's names or purposefully mis-spelt to look like a German - sounding piano.... and many people believe it.

I partially renovated a 1910 (ish) 'Rubinstein' in 2007, and it was neither German or Dutch - but good old UK. It had an over-damped action and the notorious spring & loop mechanism.... and straight-strung (the several deadly sins!). However the piano was quite ornate, finished in ebonised black.... but later in its life, it developed a huge crack in the wrest plank, and it was scrapped.

Pianos dont have any kind of 'blue-book' as such, nor any history, unless its one of the best. Also no individually owned piano will have any history on records, unless you happen to own the original bill of sale, tuning & servicing invoices - and all the family-given history attached. When a piano sells.... it simply moves onto the next customer. General info can sometimes be given such as factory dates, serial numbers, addresses of factories, ownership, affiliations, patents etc.... but with Rubinstein.... nothing. Any info that may have been available will be long-gone now.... along with the bombing of the factory.

Rubinstein is quite an old name, I've come across a few in my times - all generally around the early 1900's.

If you want some general info on YOUR piano, then try to attach a photo. Also send one of the mechanism (new reply) and we'll be able to give you a rough idea.

Hope that helps ......

Colin