Barratt & Robinson

[ozzman]

Can anyone please tell me if my Barratt & Robinson, overstrung, baby grand with ivory keys is a rare piano to own??? Thanks

[Barrie Heaton]

I have never tuned a Barratt & Robinson Grand, tuned many of their uprights

So they are not common in the Northwest of England

Barrie

[ozzman]

we have just inherited this piano and have been told they are extremely rare, even to the extent that there is only a handful left worldwide. Just trying to find out more about it. Many thanks for your reply.

[Bill Kibby]

Firstly, you need to be aware that rarity in pianos is not a sign of value. I have several pianos that may be the last surviving examples by their makers, they are worth very little. Secondly, factories hardly ever do short runs, they have to set up the production line for mass production. I think I am right in saying that Barratt & Robinson were one of the factories who did not make their own grands, but bought them in occasionally from other factories. This would mean that the grand is not unusual, but the name is. Unless there is something rare about the piano, its value is purely in its qualities as a musical instrument. Have a look at

http://pianogen.org/grand.html

http://pianogen.org/names.html