Pianotech

  • 1.  Dierdorf pianos

    Member
    Posted 05-06-2022 12:44
    I was contacted by a lady who has a hierloom Dierdorf upright in storage and who was quoted it could cost up to $25 k to rebuild. On top of that she tells me it is a mirror piano which is something that in my opinion destroys the value. The twist in the story is her great grandfather was John Dierdorf who owned the company and had several patents . She said it had a cast iron sound board but probably meant the plate. Cabinet is made of oak and it weighs a ton. I referred her to someone who has worked on old big uprights who may at least be able top remove parts etc. I suspect it is in poor shape . Does anyone know the brand or history ? I believe it was made in Indiania

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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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  • 2.  RE: Dierdorf pianos

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-06-2022 12:51
    There could indeed have been a Dierdorf piano. But don't forget that from about 1885 - 1925, piano manufacturing was the biggest single industry in this country. This was before cars, radios, washing machines, etc. were starting to be made. Anybody who had woodworking skills could buy keys, plates, strings, actions, etc, from independent manufacturers and make their own piano. Not only that, but if you had a store, you could pay one of a dozen piano factories to put your own name on the fallboard, and even a small name plate on the plate. 

    Wim



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