Piano History

  • 1.  Stodart, Worcester & Dunham, circa 1838

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-29-2024 23:10

    I was just asked to look at this lovely square, in original condition, which happens to be within a mile or so of my home. Very well built, high quality instrument, English double action, original strings. I think it likely it sat as a valued piece of furniture for over 100 years.



    ------------------------------
    Fred Sturm
    University of New Mexico
    fssturm@unm.edu
    http://fredsturm.net
    http://www.artoftuning.com
    "We either make ourselves happy or miserable. The amount of work is the same." - Carlos Casteneda
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Stodart, Worcester & Dunham, circa 1838

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-31-2024 09:47
    Wow, thanks for this.
    Hammers all felt? No animal skins?
    Let us know how it turns out - and sounds-and plays please.
    Nancy Salmon



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Stodart, Worcester & Dunham, circa 1838

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-31-2024 10:15
    Hammers are four thin layers of light colored leather over a layer of hard dark colored leather. 



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Stodart, Worcester & Dunham, circa 1838

    Posted 06-09-2024 20:53

    I just visited a piano restoration firm in Vienna that works on very old pianos like this. They often use sheepskin for hammers from this time period. It seems to have a lighter color than buckskin or leather. But it is a thinner skin. (Der Klavier-Atelier: http://www.hecherpiano.com/)



    ------------------------------
    John Golightly RPT
    Richmond KY
    (606) 316-9785
    ------------------------------

    Original Message