Pianotech

  • 1.  Hoffmann Action model B

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-21-2023 10:13

    I have a client with and original Hoffman action model B looking to sell it. Any thoughts about an apropriate home for this. A museum, a university collection?



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    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
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  • 2.  RE: Hoffmann Action model B

    Posted 04-21-2023 10:45

    PTG Museum has a collection of action models. Perhaps this model is needed.
    Ask Fred Sturm.



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    Ed Sutton
    ed440@me.com
    (980) 254-7413
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Hoffmann Action model B

    Posted 04-21-2023 14:01
    Hi, Ed,

    I think that Mr. Roeder was noting that it was a Hoffman action in a
    Model B S&S rather than an action model.

    As so much of the historical remnants were destroyed through the 80's,
    it would be lovely if an instrument with such an action could be placed
    in a museum.

    Kind regards.

    Horace

    On 4/21/2023 7:44 AM, Ed Sutton via Piano Technicians Guild wrote:
    > PTG Museum has a collection of action models. Perhaps this model is needed.
    > Ask Fred Sturm.
    >
    >
    > ------------------------------
    > Ed Sutton
    > ed440@me.com
    > (980) 254-7413
    > ------------------------------
    > -------------------------------------------
    > Original Message:
    > Sent: 04-21-2023 10:12
    > From: Karl Roeder
    > Subject: Hoffmann Action model B
    >
    >
    > I have a client with and original Hoffman action model B looking to sell it. Any thoughts about an apropriate home for this. A museum, a university collection?
    >
    >
    > ------------------------------
    > Karl Roeder
    > Pompano Beach FL
    > ------------------------------
    >
    >
    > Reply to Sender : https://my.ptg.org/eGroups/PostReply/?GroupId=43&MID=764102&SenderKey=05518cf4-726d-4ed4-8816-048b957c45a3
    >
    > Reply to Discussion : https://my.ptg.org/eGroups/PostReply/?GroupId=43&MID=764102
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Hoffmann Action model B

    Posted 04-21-2023 18:00

    Horace wrote: "I think that Mr. Roeder was noting that it was a Hoffman action in a
    Model B S&S rather than an action model."

    Good point, Horace!
    I think Hoffman's modifications were less radical than David Steinbuhler's keyboards, and certainly did not use the materials or CAD machinery that Steinbuhler uses. 
    The significant part would be the action itself, maybe even just the keyframe.
    History, floor space and economics might be better served by separating the action and the piano, preserving the action in (hopefully original?) form in a museum and letting the piano be fitted with a new action af whatever size pleases the new owner.



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    Ed Sutton
    ed440@me.com
    (980) 254-7413
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Hoffmann Action model B

    Member
    Posted 04-21-2023 16:15

    Can you post some pictures ? Because Hoffman had small hands several pianos where made for him with a reduced size keyboard and this sounds like one of the surviving pianos. As such it has some historical value. A few weeks ago Ethan Janneys Radio Hour that is on every Saturday at 2pm had a co-host who is a Concert Pianist and very involved with alternate sized piano keyboards. In fact she has an S&S that had a Hoffman action in it and has done some in-depth research on them . It might be good to track her down  



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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    (843) 325-4357
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Hoffmann Action model B

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-21-2023 18:21

    Mr. Greeley is correct. I'll try to visit the instrument and get more details. Mostly looking for which museums might have an interest.



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    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Hoffmann Action model B

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-21-2023 18:38

    If you can't find anything on that side of the country, you might consider the Musical Instruments Museum in Phoenix, AZ. They have quite a few historic pianos and may very possibly  be interested in the one in question. 



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    Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
    Piano Technician / Artisan
    (256) 947-9999
    www.professional-piano-services.com
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Hoffmann Action model B

    Posted 04-21-2023 19:37

    Karl-

    I would be very interested to talk more with you about this piano. At SMU we are ground zero for narrow keyboards so we have a real interest in this.

    Thanks-

    David



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    David C. Brown RPT
    Garland TX
    tunermandb88.com
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Hoffmann Action model B

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-19-2023 14:32

    Late notice but the piano in question is up for auction today.

    https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/7-steinway-semi-concert-grand-piano-model-b-1940--57b-c-aa64291af1

    attached is a photo of the action parts. Note the relationship between the hammer shank center pin and the drop screw.



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    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
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    Original Message