Pianotech

  • 1.  Steinway Grand Model & Date

    Member
    Posted 03-14-2017 23:25

      I did an inspection on a Steinway Grand today and am trying to date it. the serial number on the plate and front action rail as well as the cheek blocks is 82470 . According to Pierce it would be between 1894 and 1896 since the starting sn in 1894 was 80000 and the starting sn in 1896 was 85000.   The letter L was on the plate however I am wondering if it is an O since Pierce says the O was discontinued in
    1923 and replaced with the L .

     I would guess that Steinway could tell me for sure using their records but is there any other reference for models and years and a way to tell an O from an L

     Piano was rebuilt at some time although it seems it did not get a new block since the tuning pins are 5.0. Plate was regilded, new hammer felts, new whippen cushions, strings, repaired soundboard, nickel plated lid hinges and pedals

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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  • 2.  RE: Steinway Grand Model & Date

    Posted 03-15-2017 02:29
    Hello James

    All those dates and changes you mention are the same as given in Steinway Records of which I have a copy. The only other thing is - was it made in N.Y or Hamburg? Model 'O' was still being made in Hamburg in 2003 and is 5'10 1/2"  (189 cm) - not 5'10", which dimension changed in 1914.        Michael    UK



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  • 3.  RE: Steinway Grand Model & Date

    Posted 03-15-2017 08:28
    The model O was discontinued in NY only in 1923 and replaced with the L. If the serial number is correct, the piano cannot be an L. The L has a quite square tail with and a greater than 90° angle at the flat side to keyslip corner. The O has a round tail, much like an M. The Model O was reintroduced at the NY factory a number of years back so that the two S&S factories were not making two different models of the same size.

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    Charles Rempel
    Sales & Marketing Director
    Dampp-Chaser Corp.
    HENDERSONVILLE NC
    828-692-8271
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Steinway Grand Model & Date

    Member
    Posted 03-15-2017 09:48
    What I thought was the letter L on the plate was not. It was the left lower corner of a label that had been removed.

    I now believe this is a rebuilt "O" because of all of the serial number matches. Thank you all for responding....

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Steinway Grand Model & Date

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-15-2017 12:48
    The model O has a round tail, the L's is square. Model O was never discontinued in the Hamburg factory.

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    Mario Igrec
    http://www.pianosinsideout.com
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Steinway Grand Model & Date

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-15-2017 14:45
    There are folks on this list who can probably tell you all about this Steinway just by sensing its aura; they are almost that knowledgeable.
    However, I have found a very helpful resource in the book, The Official Guide to Steinway Pianos, by Roy F. Kehl and David R. Kirkland.
    Detailed descriptions of all the features of each model Steinway has produced. Lots of historical data.
    I recommend the book.
    Anyone with the book could likely help you identify this piano, and some people on the list have most of the data in their memory.
    With some more details provided, an answer will likely be quick in coming.
    Good luck.
    Claude H.


    Original Message