Pianotech

  • 1.  19th Century Bosendorfer

    Posted 10-11-2022 17:49
    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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  • 2.  RE: 19th Century Bosendorfer

    Member
    Posted 10-11-2022 18:13
    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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  • 3.  RE: 19th Century Bosendorfer

    Posted 10-12-2022 00:28
    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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  • 4.  RE: 19th Century Bosendorfer

    Posted 10-12-2022 06:17
    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




  • 5.  RE: 19th Century Bosendorfer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-12-2022 10:37
    How about contacting Bill Shull, David? His is the first name that pops into my mind re antique pianos.

    Bob Anderson, RPT
    Tucson, AZ




  • 6.  RE: 19th Century Bosendorfer

    Posted 10-12-2022 10:47
    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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  • 7.  RE: 19th Century Bosendorfer

    Member
    Posted 10-13-2022 09:15
    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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  • 8.  RE: 19th Century Bosendorfer

    Posted 10-13-2022 10:18
    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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  • 9.  RE: 19th Century Bosendorfer

    Posted 10-14-2022 19:36
    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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