Pianotech

All-

I have been requested to help with this piano by a colleague. Here is his note. I realize his request may lack certain understanding, but I am mainly asking to see if there is someone in that area who might be interested in this instrument for what sounds like free for the taking.

One of my brothers who currently lives in Oxnard CA is in possession of the Bosendorfer piano referenced below.They are looking to simply liquidate it or donate it to some one. I advised them that the name may have value, but the age of the instrument makes it more of an antique than a viable modern instrument. Like most people, they have no idea where to start. So, I said I'd share this content with you and see if you had any recommendations.I would think the ivory and the cabinet alone would have some value-even if all of the functional components had to be replaced to make it playable.Your thoughts? Do you know any antique rebuilders or aficionados in Southern California?


Many thanks in advance-

David

 

 

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David C. Brown RPT
Garland TX
tunermandb88.com
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Can you find a serial number so that its age can be determined accurately ? Looking at the pedals and the case makes it seem for sure it is an antique. It also looks like it has an open/exposed pin block, original soundboard and decal. The action etc may be in poor shape along with other parts like the bridges, bass strings,bushings etc. Must be someone in his state that can look at it. Maybe it is a diamond in the ruff or a lunch eater. Maybe the local PTG Chapter can guide him

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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
(843) 325-4357
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It is a straight-strung piano with a Viennese action which makes it undesirable as a playing instrument for all but those who may be far down a vintage piano rabbit hole. A beautiful piece, a brand with name recognition, so that should help for it to be re-homed on those merits.

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Jurgen Goering
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-11-2022 18:12
From: James Kelly
Subject: 19th Century Bosendorfer

Can you find a serial number so that its age can be determined accurately ? Looking at the pedals and the case makes it seem for sure it is an antique. It also looks like it has an open/exposed pin block, original soundboard and decal. The action etc may be in poor shape along with other parts like the bridges, bass strings,bushings etc. Must be someone in his state that can look at it. Maybe it is a diamond in the ruff or a lunch eater. Maybe the local PTG Chapter can guide him

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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
(843) 325-4357
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I've only just clicked on the thread to see. The pedal lyre, key
cheeks and music desk are exactly the same as the Emerich Betsy of
1854 which was copied by Striecher, Brahm's favourite instrument and
if I remember correctly favoured by Liszt also, and I'd heard that
Bosendorfer took on that heritage and of which this instrument is an
example.

With leather hammers the Betsy is rather good and works particularly
well with unequal temperament https://youtu.be/xwh4Xb1waC0?t=2273 but
is difficult to control https://youtu.be/6SPqHBWGMbE?t=407 for a
pianist unfamiliar.

In my humble opinion it's really important for pianists to find
connexion with what composers were writing for and the modern
instrument is perhaps not the best medium with which to do so. In good
condition this instrument should have special value.

No it's not niche. It's what music should be all about.

Best wishes

David P

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


Original Message:
Sent: 10/12/2022 12:28:00 AM
From: Jurgen Goering
Subject: RE: 19th Century Bosendorfer

It is a straight-strung piano with a Viennese action which makes it undesirable as a playing instrument for all but those who may be far down a vintage piano rabbit hole. A beautiful piece, a brand with name recognition, so that should help for it to be re-homed on those merits.

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Jurgen Goering
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How about contacting Bill Shull, David? His is the first name that pops into my mind re antique pianos.

Bob Anderson, RPT
Tucson, AZ

Many thanks all for the replies. I am mainly trying to help one of my bosses determine if there is someone in that area that would have enough  interest in this piano to relieve his brother of it. I will give Bill a shout.

Best-

David

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David C. Brown RPT
Garland TX
tunermandb88.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2022 10:36
From: Robert Anderson
Subject: 19th Century Bosendorfer

How about contacting Bill Shull, David? His is the first name that pops into my mind re antique pianos.

Bob Anderson, RPT
Tucson, AZ

This is a relatively late 19th century Bosendorfer. I have restored these for others, and also personally own Bösendorfers from 1845 to 1888.  They are wonderful pianos, perfect for the musician wh cares about the sounds and touch of the pianos that were the world of so many of our still most favored composers, such as Brahms and Liszt, Mendelssohn, and more.  These pianos can teach us about what is in the music, how to play it, to play the music, not just the notes.   On the other hand,  if a potential new owner is completely fixated on the action touch profile and timbre of the mid to late 20th century piano and on, then it isn't for them.  Bösendorfers are beautifully built, profound lovely but not overpowering sound.  The straight stringing allows for the ability to hear the different voices across the keyboard as in a choir or orchestra.  Somebody will love it.  How short people's memories are in this organization.  If you look back in the Journal archives you can find my articles on the earlier pianos. 


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Anne Acker
Anne Acker Early Keyboards
912-704-3048
a.acker@comcast.net
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Kind of you to reply, Anne, thank you. I think we have found an appropriate person with interest.

D

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David C. Brown RPT
Garland TX
tunermandb88.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2022 09:14
From: Anne Acker
Subject: 19th Century Bosendorfer

This is a relatively late 19th century Bosendorfer. I have restored these for others, and also personally own Bösendorfers from 1845 to 1888.  They are wonderful pianos, perfect for the musician wh cares about the sounds and touch of the pianos that were the world of so many of our still most favored composers, such as Brahms and Liszt, Mendelssohn, and more.  These pianos can teach us about what is in the music, how to play it, to play the music, not just the notes.   On the other hand,  if a potential new owner is completely fixated on the action touch profile and timbre of the mid to late 20th century piano and on, then it isn't for them.  Bösendorfers are beautifully built, profound lovely but not overpowering sound.  The straight stringing allows for the ability to hear the different voices across the keyboard as in a choir or orchestra.  Somebody will love it.  How short people's memories are in this organization.  If you look back in the Journal archives you can find my articles on the earlier pianos.


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Anne Acker
Anne Acker Early Keyboards
912-704-3048
a.acker@comcast.net
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If I were local. I would have snapped that up in a heartbeat.

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Regards,

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
http://www.pianocapecod.com
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