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segerskarel · New Member Joined: 26 Dec 2003 Posts: 1

Hello,
I have a restored Broadwood & Sons, bichord,nr 81, semigrand piano dated 1839. Is it possible to have a price estimation on that piano?
A few pins are too loose to hold proper tuning. What is the best way to solve that problem ?

Thanks for answering,
Karel

Bill Kibby · Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2003 10:44 am Post subject: Broadwood

You say "dated", do you mean that it actually has the date 1839 on it? I would have thought about 1842 for that number. Your tuner will be the person to advise you about the loose pins, and the normal method is a a larger pin. As for valuation, see my notes below, and Barrie's at the top of the forum. For more detail, press www and then "Valuation".
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I do not buy, sell or value pianos, but I sometimes rescue pre-1890 pianos in the UK.

Have a look at the Datemarks page on my own website: http://www.pianogen.org

Piano History Centre

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2003 11:18 am Post subject:

I have moved this post as it is not on topic for history

You say you have restored the piano do you mean you have had it done or in the process of doing it, if it can’t hold its tuning then you can’t say it has been restored.

As to the problem of the pins as Bill has pointed out normally you would change the pin to a larger size or pack, as the piano is c1842 it will have had square tuning pins if it still has the originals therefore coming up one size is a little more involved if youy wish to keep the piano looking as original as possible you will have to have a set made if there re only a few then packing with veneer can be done - if the pins have been replaced with modern ones recently and you are still having problems with just a few and they follow a pattern this could indicate a split plank.

Barrie,
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Barrie Heaton
Web Master UK Piano Page

Melodytune · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2003 9:37 pm Post subject:

If the "restoration" was carried out recently, you could question the loose pina with the person or company who restore it.

The suggestions as above I couldn't add to except to advise that any work carried out to rectify the situation is likely to be expensive, get a local tuner to look at the piano for you and advise you accordingly.

Regards
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Chris Melloy
Piano Tuner