Re: Help! - Steinway Square Piano
ragtimebill
Nope, no way is ANY square grand worth that kind of money!
-Bill Rowland
Broken Arrow, OK
Ricardo wrote:
> Hello Guys:
>
> I was advised in other group to direct my post for further input.
>
> I live in Toronto, Canada and I am in the process of buying a square
> grand piano. If the price is fair! Yes...I now full well the pros and
> cons of these old pianos, but I still want one!
>
> The local dealer wants $10,000 for the piano before repairs. The piano
> is ok as is, though out of tune as it has not been played in over 21
> years. It has been restrung sometime in the 50's and has modern tuning
> pins. The pins are still tight and can "hold" a tuning.
>
> The piano is a Steinway Square circa 1867. It has a rosewood cabinet
> with the curvy legs. This style seems to be the more common version
> that I have seen over the years in auction books and on ebay. My
> problem is I have found one local, but he want's $15,000 for it and its
> not being rebuilt, restrung or refinished?
>
> The piano will need another $5,000 spent on regulating the action and
> restoring the cabinet finish. The breadown as follows:
>
> $10,000 - Piano as found
> $2,500 - Action regulation (does not include replacement of parts, none
> are curently needed)
> $2,500 - Cabinet cosmetics (minor work and touch ups where needed)
>
> Total Cost: $15,000 plus taxes
>
>
> He will include delivery and a clawfoot stool with the purchase as well
> as the tuning following delivery after it has settled after 3 weeks.
>
> Is $15,000 fair for this kind of piano? I had budgeted 10,000 with
> work but I wasn't expecting to pay more than $4,500 for the piano
> before repairs.
>
> Please Help? I'm am being taken for a ride?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ricardo Aleixo
tenkiller
for the home. They were popular for over 100 years. They fell out of
favor to the Uprights (which took up less room) in the late 1800s. They
are excellent instruments made with much better woods and other
materials. They sound slightly different than modern instruments. But
most modern instruments are not as lively sounding, Steinway included.
Many tuners are intimidated by them and declare them "unfit as a musical
instrument". Musicians feel differently. They blend well with other
instruments and voices. They are not quiet as powerful as a Concert
Grand of any age but comperable to a baby grand. Most people don't want
or need that much power in their homes.
Do your research. There are many sites on the internet extolling the
virtues of the Square Piano.
I have an 1869 Bacon and Karr with a rosewood case and elephant ivory
keys. I have access to other modern instruments, Steinways etc but this
one is my favorite. I do like playing on Broadwoods, Erards, Mason and
Hamlins and Antique Steinways. The Bacon and Karr I bought for $500. in
the 1980s and had it fully restored for $7000. retaining all origional
parts possible. This means all felt, leather and strings were replaced.
No wood had to be. I did have a brand new pinblock installed too. I
have had it appraised by several reputable appraisal firms and was
astounded by how high their appraisals were. I would not trade it for
any amount of money.
If you really want the Steinway, then go for it. I will tell you that
there are some problems with antique pianos. Mainly because there are
no plastic parts and wood changes with the weather. You might have a
sluggish key once in a while but if you keep the temp and humidity about
the same, the problems will be minimal. I wasn't sorry and I don't think
that you will either.
tenkiller
ragtimebill
If you are a serious musician, I can guarantee that you will not be
satisfied with a square grand. If what you are wanting is furniture or
a conversation piece, then, go ahead with my blessings, and good luck.
-Bill Rowland, piano technician
Broken Arrow, OK
tenkiller
Everyone loves my piano.
What problems do you have with a square piano? Yes, I understand that,
according to my tuner, Technicians don't like them because with most,
the tuning pins are in the back and difficult to get to. Mathuscek (sp?)
are about the only one I know of with pins in the front. I know that
it is difficult to keep up with which string is what. The strings in my
piano are all labeled.
So, why should a serious musician not like a square piano?
Steven Lewis
I would even come close to wanting to play (let alone tune) I'm sure there
is that rare find that would prove me wrong, but it would be anecdotal. For
starters, square grands do not have a repetition lever in the action that
greatly improves the grand piano action. (It is also not in an upright
piano, making the grand much superior). The square grands built in the
latter 19th century were the cheap piano of the day (as opposed to the more
expensive grand piano), the upright piano eventually took on those honors.
Sure, there are no plastic parts that are available, but there are no wooden
parts available either. All parts will have to be hand made. The sound of
the piano is different from today's piano mainly because the tension is so
much lower that today's pianos, giving it a more muted sound. However, after
saying all this, they sure were beautiful pieces of furniture.
steve
"tenkiller" <tenk...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:57-4523...@storefull-3257.bay.webtv.net...
che...@flapper.com
I've tuned them for almost 33 years and have to say that the
difference in the TOUCH (determined by the LEVERAGE of the key)
between the bottom note, the physical key maybe six inches long, and
the top note, the key maybe 30 inches long IS DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT.
The response to such things as repeats at various places along the
keyboard will vary HUGELY and be a difficulty for any serious player.
My two cents worth.
Checker
