Pianotech

  • 1.  Broadwood Piano

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 2 days ago

    I've tuned two of the three pianos for a customer who recently moved to my town. The third one is a 7'4" John Broadwood & Sons grand piano. It's in sad shape and the customer was interested in restoring it, or at least getting a price. The keyslip is hinged, and on the inside of it is stamped the number 22525. Pierce Atlas puts it circa 1885, although it looks older than that to me. It has oblong tuning pins, dampers under the strings, etc.

    I've rebuilt hundreds of pianos, but not one quite like this. I was interested in speaking directly to someone who is familiar with these instruments for some advice.

    Thanks in advance!

    Gene Taets, R.P.T.

    genepiano@gmail.com

    (309) 796-2888



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    Eugene Taets RPT
    Silvis IL
    (309) 796-2888
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  • 2.  RE: Broadwood Piano

    Posted 21 hours ago
    Hi Eugene,

    It's beautiful.  

    What does the decal on the fallboard say?

    What is the actual length, feet and inches?

    Broadwood dating is easiest done with a letter to Broadwood, but their publication helps too.   

    Bill







    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Broadwood Piano

    Posted 19 hours ago
    Broadwoods with underdampers are special, and work well. The early ones just had wooden wrestplanks, and that in my instrument of 1859 is good, but sometimes the wrestplank disintegrates and needs replacement. Later Broadwoods have an iron plate which is threaded. It's necessary to screw out the tuning pins and screw them back in. 

    Here's an example of sound - although action was damp and not as responsive as it is in summer

    Here's an 1880s Broadwood with loose pins which caught me offguard between winter and summer https://youtu.be/nZboO8RiuSA

    Here's my Mentor, Michael Gamble, restringing an 1869 Cottage Grand https://youtu.be/nLlrPZjiSBg


    These instruments respond well to Kirnberger III tuning

    Best wishes

    David P


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    David Pinnegar, B.Sc., A.R.C.S.
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    +44 7868385643



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Broadwood Piano

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 18 hours ago
    It's possible to RESTORE, but don't change a thing.   Use those pins, they may be threaded.  DO NOT DRILL OUT THE PLATE TO USE DIFFERENT PINS!  Use the proper wire, not modern wire,  don't use modern hammers; get those recovered.  Use reproductions of historical felt and cloth. 

    Douglas Sheffield-Laing
    727-539-9602




    Original Message