1892 Bechstein Upright

[simon1980]

Hi forum,

I have a 1892 Bechstein Upright piano and I am looking for a replacement upper front panel, please excuse my lack of proper terminology. Unfortunately I can't remember off the top of my head what model it is which I am sure will be specific to this request. However any general information regarding where I might find such an item or indeed speak to someone for some advice would be greatly appreciate.

Regards,

Simon

[mdw]

Trawl the new for a pic of the top door you want then take it to a cabnet maker/ french polisher.

[Colin Nicholson]

Simon,

When you say a replacement, does that mean the original one is missing, or does the panel need replacing due to damage etc??

You obviously won't be able to order a top panel for a Bechstein model? off the shelf - it will need to be tailor made to fit your piano - the model number can be found inside the piano, right hand side, raised letter/number on the cast frame - possibly a model 10 , IV or 9 etc). Then look on the internet to see which one matches yours. Then of course the veneer finish - walnut, ebony, mahogany, rosewood etc.

I have just made a bottom panel for a piano - this one clips in against a wooden spring.... so the only way I could make it to fit exactly right with the piano and to be of the right colour/ stain/ polish etc, was to have the piano with me all the time - and it needs to be regularly measured and checked for the wooden dowel inserts at the bottom, and sides. Although I did some preliminary measurements in the customer's home, due to all the extra fettling, trimming & shaving of the wood to get it spot on, and not knowing the exact stain in my workshop, I eventually had to insist on the piano being moved to finish the job. This is a big job by the way (esp if a concertina music rest is needed aswell) - and some carpenters may not take this kind of work on.

Your panel will either be a single 'pane' panel - oblong in shape, with either a single or double beading trim, or made up of 3 panels; the 2 outer panels will be square, and the middle will be oblong. Also the side trusses will need to made to match - these sometimes slightly overhang the sides. There is also the possibility of brass candlesticks (scones) ?

You will also need a concertina music rest if that is missing? ...... (and the top of the panel notched out & felted)..... and the music rest fitted with brass rivets & a tray.... or a cheaper method would be to have a music tray & 2 hinges screwed to the fallboard - though its not original, it would be alot cheaper to do.

If you need any assistance, let me know.

cheers

Colin

[simon1980]

Hi,

Thank you both for your responses.

So a bit more information. The model number is not on the inside of the piano but the serial number is 32576 and it has 85 keys. The piano itself is black is around 127cm tall which means according to this website (http://www.courtneypianos.co.uk/bechstein.html) it's a Model 10.

The top panel itself is slightly distorted and has an inlay. However it is the inlay which has been replaced rather crudely. My piano tuner said that he could have it polished black but he thinks (and I agree) that it would be more in keeping to try and find a similar piano that is being sold for parts. Also the piano itself is showing some signs of its age and I don't really want to have something on it that looks too new, if that makes sense.

Obviously because I already have a top panel I can use the music stand that's in it.

What are your thoughts?

Simon

[Colin Nicholson]

You might have to just find a similar panel (or panels) , strip them down and repolish.
Also, nobody knows where you are from? presumably UK?.... so no one is going to put themselves forward if they read this post.

You could wait a life time for the right piano to come along!.... hassle.

Not sure if Besbrode's in Leeds still do piano 'spares' - try them.

http://www.besbrodepianos.co.uk/

Good luck with that, but I rarely see ''spares & repairs'' advertised for pianos (more for cars/ nitro RC cars etc) .... and people tend to just chop them up & burn them rather than pay someone to move it.... and no one knows what piano it was. Unless you are in the trade, I would go down the road of what your tuner says. In any case, I think anyone with even a ''shed'' of a Bechstein would not part with it, or sell it on!

[simon1980]

Hi Colin,

Thanks for your response. I have updated my location so hopefully you can see that. I will try the link you sent me. I think though I shall speak to my tuner to see if he can get something sorting for me.

Again, thanks for the reponse.

Simon

[Colin Nicholson]

Simon...

Try also Steinmayer uprights (pre 1900) if there is one available. Their centre panelling is very decorative and finely carved. However, 'hitting' on at the right moment for a piano to be scrapped - you'll be very lucky. It might be worth even looking on Ebay for a cheap piano (overdamped) - and changing the panel on there.

Not something I've ever done, so good luck with that.
Happy Birthday by the way!!