Piano History

I've encountered several a couple of Broadwood barless pianos here recently (carrying out both restoration and service work), and was intrigued and impressed to find that Broadwood stamped the string gauge number on the first agraffe where each change occurred. They did this up until about 1920, I believe. Elegant.

Alastair Laurence has published a fascinating monograph, "The Broadwood Barless Piano" (2004) for anyone interested. The plates are steel - and thus don't need struts - which leaves the field of vision remarkably clear, as you can see from the second photo. Also, the plates don't extend and aren't bolted all the way around the perimeter, so more of the board is visible by the rim. A pretty unique and advanced design.

The third picture shows an example from 1909; in need of restoration, but with good board and a fine overall sound. These were excellent pianos! Note the hinged bit on each end of the music desk, I suppose for candles; this a transitional (Edwardian) time, when perhaps not all homes had electricity yet. Nice music desk.

I encounter a lot of unusual pianos here in the UK, and will post photos from time to time if there is interest. I like sharing these discoveries, and this list seems like a good place to do it. Any informed commentary is invited, of course. 

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Allen Wright, RPT
London, United Kingdom


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I have one under my sporadic care (restrung and major recondition 20 years ago, see it every 3 -4 years now). Nice instrument, elegant look. Mine is 47719, so around 1903. Rosewood case, fancy music desk, but no shelves for candles. I don't have any photos, though.

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Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico
fssturm@unm.edu
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination." - Einstein
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-22-2011 19:27
From: Allen Wright
Subject: Broadwood barless

I've encountered several a couple of Broadwood barless pianos here recently (carrying out both restoration and service work), and was intrigued and impressed to find that Broadwood stamped the string gauge number on the first agraffe where each change occurred. They did this up until about 1920, I believe. Elegant.

Alastair Laurence has published a fascinating monograph, "The Broadwood Barless Piano" (2004) for anyone interested. The plates are steel - and thus don't need struts - which leaves the field of vision remarkably clear, as you can see from the second photo. Also, the plates don't extend and aren't bolted all the way around the perimeter, so more of the board is visible by the rim. A pretty unique and advanced design.

The third picture shows an example from 1909; in need of restoration, but with good board and a fine overall sound. These were excellent pianos! Note the hinged bit on each end of the music desk, I suppose for candles; this a transitional (Edwardian) time, when perhaps not all homes had electricity yet. Nice music desk.

I encounter a lot of unusual pianos here in the UK, and will post photos from time to time if there is interest. I like sharing these discoveries, and this list seems like a good place to do it. Any informed commentary is invited, of course. 

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Allen Wright, RPT
London, United Kingdom


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Fascinating instrument, Allen.

Those stamped agraffes, the strutless view and those hinged pieces on each end. 

Thank you ever so much for the pics and the write-up.

Keith McGavern, RPT
Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA
tune-repair@allegiance.tv
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-22-2011 19:27
From: Allen Wright
Subject: Broadwood barless

I've encountered several a couple of Broadwood barless pianos here recently (carrying out both restoration and service work), and was intrigued and impressed to find that Broadwood stamped the string gauge number on the first agraffe where each change occurred. They did this up until about 1920, I believe. Elegant.

Alastair Laurence has published a fascinating monograph, "The Broadwood Barless Piano" (2004) for anyone interested. The plates are steel - and thus don't need struts - which leaves the field of vision remarkably clear, as you can see from the second photo. Also, the plates don't extend and aren't bolted all the way around the perimeter, so more of the board is visible by the rim. A pretty unique and advanced design.

The third picture shows an example from 1909; in need of restoration, but with good board and a fine overall sound. These were excellent pianos! Note the hinged bit on each end of the music desk, I suppose for candles; this a transitional (Edwardian) time, when perhaps not all homes had electricity yet. Nice music desk.

I encounter a lot of unusual pianos here in the UK, and will post photos from time to time if there is interest. I like sharing these discoveries, and this list seems like a good place to do it. Any informed commentary is invited, of course. 

-------------------------------------------
Allen Wright, RPT
London, United Kingdom


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