Piano on GreenCycleSussex

[planet 1]

I spotted this advert on the Yahoo group - GreenCycleSussex if of interest to anyone. Every item on here is free (as version of "Freecycle"):
Hi there

I have an upright piano which is lovely to look at, a 'lovely piece of
furniture', but sadly is apparently beyond economical repair as far as making
music is concerned (inside, the large support blocks at the back for the actual
wires/strings have become unstuck so that the support structure as a whole is
bowing under the tension, however all the piano strings, hammers etc are in
reasonable shape).

The casing is made of mahogany with a walnut veneer, and with marquetry in the
central panel. Just don't want to see it go to the tip - perhaps some artful
person could convert it into a quirky furniture item like a drinks cabinet?!?

For the knowledgeable amongst you, it's a 'C.Bustard, from Collard & Collard of
London' (apparently one of the best makers of pianos in England), circa 1920's.

[vernon]

skip !

[vernon]

I meant "skip" figuratively.
Take it outside push it over onto it's back. That should start the joints. Knock of the ends,bottom and top with a sledge hammer. Save the brass work and action if you've not a dozen already. Saw up the wood for firewood. Old keys with celluloid naturals make super fire-lighters.
Wearing goggles smash what frame there is into pieces to put in the recycling centre. The strings will all come loose and lift off. That's pretty green
quarter of an hours job

[Colin Nicholson]

Vernon? thats pretty mild for you......

I was thinking of a much easier method - 'Viking's funeral' ........

Set fire to it, and push it out to sea..... what? I didn't say that, I was forced to say it.

[vernon]

I' afraid not all old pianos have "charm,beauty,craftsmanship"..
However, should you be under the impression I'm a total philistine, I do have in the store a 1860s Broadwood upright. The front fretwork is undamaged and backed with faded gold silk.The ivories are unchipped.It is venered rose front and BACK!. Goodness knows why.
It holds it's tune (just) but needs a set of springs. I can't sell it as it is; haven't time to fit a set of springs, so-- I store it! nor can I dispose of it as it is charming,beautiful etc.

[Colin Nicholson]

Vernon, Did you mean "Strings" ?

[vernon]

Colin
definitely springs--jack.
I would need to make a set to measure which, while no great job, will take up time that can be spent on more immediately saleable pianos.
I'll do it one day, tho' there is a chap in Kent(500 miles away) that 1/2 wants it as a period piece.
Excuse the trendy pronoun.

[joseph]

I agree re old pianos. Generally they're not worth saving. Most of them are musically unsatisfying. That said, I have played a few older welmars, chappells, broadwoods that have been beautiful, not to mention steinways, bluthners and bosendorfers that have been stunning. My own Bluthner has a beautiful sound altho I know that I can get more expression from my Brodmann.

[Colin Nicholson]

Vernon....

Is this a spring & loop then? - I've heard of a few with springs that need to be made. I once asked F&N to do me a set of jack springs (like damper springs) for an old Hilton piano, and they sent them made out of mild steel - the jacks nearly ended up in the car park, they were so strong!!

[joseph]

They so are worth saving- or there wouldn't be all the restoration piano firms out there! My old Piano is gorgeous- I love him and he is going to have his mendings done in the next few months.

good point but read my whole post.....

[vernon]

Colin.
it's a tape check(no tape ends),underdamper(wooden bodies) and s/s.
However, the jack springs are thin mousetail springs working in a groove on the front of the jack.
That's why I shall have to sit down one day and make a set to measure.

[Colin Nicholson]

Vernon....

Gotcha, I have the similar kind of springs on this Carl Mand with a groove in the front of the jacks, I just re-profiled and shortened the tails on a set of damper springs - they slot into a flange & work fine. The set-off is also behind the jack - the jack is 'S' shape and bumps into a kind of protruding roller (with a reverse thread on adjusting screw) - not easy to get the set off right. Cheers for that.

[frekl]

Actually I was unhappy with how the chair was holding up after only a few months. I received a response in just a few hours from them that informed me that the chair had a 1- year warranty and I have buy AMALFI, QUINTO, RIALTO chairs with many models and the most consideration part is that its a reproduction of CHARLES EAMES so one thing is clear and that is reliable, quality im also get thses chairs for my office.

[MarkGoodwinPianos]

Good luck with the chair Frekl

The thing about old pianos is that they can easily stink out your entire house.