"Charles Frederick Stein" Piano
DCampJim
saying that I have first read the group's FAQs and have purchased the
recommended book "The Piano Book."
While the book is very informative, there aresome questions that remain. In
about a month, I will be receiving a "Charles Frederick Stein" piano, which has
been in my family for a number of years. In an effort to determine whether it
would be practicable to refurbish this piano, I have attempted to find some
sort of value range on it. However, I have not been able to locate ANY
information on this type of piano. From the book, I have learned that the name
"stamped" on the piano is not necessarily the manufacturer.
I am interested in help with the following:
1) The piano is a "Charles Frederick Stein" (serial # 1624) grand piano
(approx. 6'). According to unreliable family sources, it was manufactured in
the 1920's. Can anyone tell me more information on this brand and/or the date
of manufacture?
2) As I mentioned, I am considering having it refurbished (to some degree at
least). It is fair condition. How do I go about finding the right person to
do this?
3) I may also need to keep the piano in storage for a year or so. How prudent
is this?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Jim Jorgensen (DCam...@aol.com)
Keith McGavern
Some thoughts for your consideration:
> ...1) The piano is a "Charles Frederick Stein" (serial # 1624) grand piano
> (approx. 6')...Can anyone tell me more information on this brand and/or the date of manufacture?
I couldn't find anything of value. Maybe someone else has something for you.
> 2) As I mentioned, I am considering having it refurbished (to some degree at
> least). It is fair condition. How do I go about finding the right person to
> do this?
Initially, contact the nearest University, piano dealerships, a/o independent
technicians for potential references. Yellow page listings for piano
technicians are another source for ideas.
> 3) I may also need to keep the piano in storage for a year or so. How prudent
> is this?
If the storage area is a controlled environment, shouldn't be a problem.
Uncontrolled environments are not a recommended.
--
Keith McGavern
kam...@earthlink.net
Registered Piano Technician
Oklahoma Chapter 731
Piano Technicians Guild
USA
pTooner
DCampJim wrote:
> As this is my first foray into this group, I should preface this message by
> saying that I have first read the group's FAQs and have purchased the
> recommended book "The Piano Book."
>
> While the book is very informative, there aresome questions that remain. In
> about a month, I will be receiving a "Charles Frederick Stein" piano, which has
> been in my family for a number of years. In an effort to determine whether it
> would be practicable to refurbish this piano, I have attempted to find some
> sort of value range on it. However, I have not been able to locate ANY
> information on this type of piano. From the book, I have learned that the name
> "stamped" on the piano is not necessarily the manufacturer.
If it is not a "premium" manufacturer, and it isn't, the brand is not very
important. In this case, CF Stein made their own pianos.
>
>
> I am interested in help with the following:
>
> 1) The piano is a "Charles Frederick Stein" (serial # 1624) grand piano
> (approx. 6'). According to unreliable family sources, it was manufactured in
> the 1920's. Can anyone tell me more information on this brand and/or the date
> of manufacture?
The company was located in Chicago and made pianos from 1923-1942. Quality of the
very few examples I have seen was pretty decent.
>
>
> 2) As I mentioned, I am considering having it refurbished (to some degree at
> least). It is fair condition. How do I go about finding the right person to
> do this?
Ask around your area. Look at examples of their work. Expect to pay more than the
piano will be worth after it is finished.
>
>
> 3) I may also need to keep the piano in storage for a year or so. How prudent
> is this?
If it already needs work, this probably doesn't matter.
>
Gerry