Kemble/Hickie & Hickie Piano

[nickods]

Hi there,

I'm thinking of buying a piano I've seen. It says it's a Kemble, and does sort of look like a Kemble Classic (similar shape, 73 keys) but it also has 'Hickie & Hickie Ltd, Reading' embossed on it. I've tried to find out what this dual naming is all about, but all I've been able to find out and H & H is that they apparently make pretty budget pianos. I've not got a serial number - my in laws saw it and sent some photos over thinking I might be interested. Anyone have any idea what it's about?!

Thanks

[Gill the Piano]

Hickie and Hickie is a music shop in Reading: it just means that the piano was originally bought from them.

[nickods]

Ah I see. I did wonder if it was that, but had no idea that practice existed. Thanks Gill!

[nickods]

So, weird update with this. Someone has snapped a key off since last viewing a few days ago! It's still mine if I want it as a price was agreed. I was wondering how easy it is to get a replacement key, and whether it's worth it? It seems a pretty good price (£140, plus it will probably come down with this damage) so it's just weighing up how much extra time, cost and effort the repair would be.

Thanks in advance.

[Gill the Piano]

You can go to 'Piano Parts' in the index to the left of this column and have a look, or if you put 'black piano key' into eBay you can get 36 for about ten quid or one for £2.08. Or you mention it to your tuner and ask them to bring one when they come to tune your bargain. Lots of possibilities!

[nickods]

Thanks again, Gill! I did have a brief look on Ebay but will give it another go.