Monington and Weston

[jimpian]

One of my pupils has a Monington and Weston with eight octaves. Is there any reason why the bottom A key is made with what looks like an inferior wood and a cheaper/thinner plastic covering?
Jim

[vernon]

No Monington and Weston ever had eight octaves.
If the lowest note is as you describe it then it has suffered some trauma and has been re-constructed but this will not affect the integrity of the rest of the piano.

[Colin Nicholson]

I think the only 8 octave is a Bosendorfer grand - 97 keys.... my colleague has the 92 key but as Vernon says, Monington never made an 8ve.

M&W would not be responsible at all for the dodgy bottom A key.... probably down to the previous owner or previous to them. I have seen a few pianos with Middle C missing.... usually a divorce case between partners and pay back.