Pianotech

  • 1.  Interesting link to restoration of an Eavestaff piano

    Posted 11-09-2020 13:19
    I came across this web-page purely by accident. I'd never heard of an Eavestaff (Est. 1823 London).

    This particular piano, an upright, was manufactured in 1938.

    The link takes you through the process of restoration, and is clearly written, with excellent photos.

    I have myself done just about every one of the steps shown, and it is nice to me as a beginner, to realize I am at least in the right ballpark.

    This upright from 1938 is so similar to a modern Yamaha P2, it is uncanny.

    The technician is in Ireland, and I hope I am not infringing on his copyright privileges by passing this on to everyone.

    It is purely for informational purposes.

    Here is the link:

    https://www.comeraghpianos.ie/case-study

    h



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    Hank Mooney
    San Francisco CA
    415-640-2731
    [Hank]
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  • 2.  RE: Interesting link to restoration of an Eavestaff piano

    Posted 11-09-2020 14:25
    Eavestaff were a very respectable English maker and one simply doesn't hear much of them nowadays. https://www.robertspianos.com/cdetails.php?ID=83&Make=Eavestaff-Pianos however gives them less than a glowing review. http://www.aatuners.com/eavestaff-mini-piano-problems.html describes even more of a challenge with one model.

    British pianos were copied by Yamaha and other makers. I think that Yamaha took on one of the last British manufacturers and rebadged the frames under the Yamaha name. I believe the Kemble 173KC had such origins and Kimball did an exact copy of a 1920s Chappell baby grand with the bass bridge much too close to the rim and clearly didn't have the discernment to appreciate the shortcomings.

    I'm sure I've heard rumour that their grands could be good but the photo of the strings on http://www.besbrodepianos.co.uk/showroom/showroom805.htm shows that awful fault of the Chappell and the Kimball with the bass bridge right up against the rim. This is confirmed by https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/113913240877 and it's for this reason that well respected brand names such as Broadwood have stood the test of time in contrast.

    Best wishes

    David P


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    David Pinnegar, B.Sc., A.R.C.S.
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    +44 1342 850594



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  • 3.  RE: Interesting link to restoration of an Eavestaff piano

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-09-2020 16:08

    That's fun.

    One thing I'd have done differently: stripper was used to remove the shellac finish (probably French Polish.)

    Shellac is totally soluble in alcohol, which removes a shellac finish very easily and with far less fuss and toxic fumes. Also cheaper to use.

    Of course, this assumes that it really was a shellac finish.




    Original Message