Kingsbury by Cable

[S. Briscoe]

I would like to know the age of my mother's upright Kingsbury Piano, manufactured by The Cable Company Chicago, serial #166848 (think 1912-13). Also I need to know if you think it would be worth "saving" (I've already read ALL posted topics on this). It was in mint condition, played great, looked great...and then Hurricane Ivan hit Pensacola, Florida. While my home was destroyed, Mom's home nearby (with the piano) had only had 18 inches of Bayou water (murkish - not full salt water). Mom is giving me her piano if it is worth saving. It still looks great & doesn't appear to need refinishing since the hurricane. But the keys do stick now, although there is still tone/sound when I touch a key (I won't play because I don't want to damage it further). I've called every piano tuner in the local phone directory, but NO ONE wants to discuss value/repair of this nature with me (probably would prefer to sell me a new one). There are no antique piano refurbishers listed. How do I find help? I'm willing to take it to a town nearby if necessary. Thanks in advance for all advice on whether it is worth repair & how to locate someone to look at it under these circumstances.

[Bill Kibby]

I'm sorry, we are a UK site, no idea what's over there I'm afraid.

[Barrie Heaton]

You have the same problem in the US as we do in the UK in most cases older pianos are not worth restoring and there is a shortage of technicians who can do this work. The ones that do, like my self find it more profitable just to tune pianos or work on grands.


Barrie,

[S. Briscoe]

Thanks anyway. Do you think I have the date right of 1912-1913?

[Barrie Heaton]

Thanks anyway. Do you think I have the date right of 1912-1913?

Yes

You could try www.ptg.org and ask if they can recommend anyone

Barrie,