[Number32]

Hi,
I'm an American citizen who wishes to acquire a rebuilt Bechstein B, preferably from the 1910-1920s. Virtually none are available in the US, and so I'm turning my attention abroad.
I've noticed numerous rebuilders in the UK and Germany, and wonder if anybody can suggest rebuilders with impeccable experience and reputation.
I intend to make a trip out to try any piano before purchasing, of course.
Any additional suggestions would be warmly welcomed!
Thank you so much in advance.

[jackg]

Barry Caradine in suffolk: www.caradine.co.uk
Phil Taylor in Nottingham: www.pianos4me.co.uk
although I am unconvinced by his argument for shimming soundboards to restore the crown.
www.Cheltenham-piano-centre.co.uk
Ex Bluthner personnel: http://www.pianorestorations.co.uk/

Clapped out Bechsteins go for less than £1k (more like £500) in the UK so you pay the labour in the purchase price of a restored one. The question I would ask is in which country are the labour costs of rebuilding lower, UK or USA? In other words is it better to buy a clapped out one then to ship it to the USA and get it rebuilt over there or to buy a rebuilt one here?
and if it was me buying one I would get a Rosewood one or even a decorated one, eg arts and craft or similar. Black pianos are not for me.

There are auctions as well, but CAVEAT EMPTOR.
www.pianoauctions.co.uk they have results on the web site so you can see what prices are realised, but add 15% commission price to the figure.
and
www.bonhams.co.uk

There are plenty of artisans masquerading as craftsmen so be careful

[PianoGuy]

I have no experience of Phil Taylor, but I think forum member 'sirprize' rates him highly. As for the others, I'd agree entirely with jackg. You can't go wrong with any of them.

Beware those who use Poles, and the "craftsmen"

[tuna]

I would also vouch for Phil Taylors work, he has a few different rebuilt ones at the moment, B, C, D & E I seem to remember.

He taught me in Newark for a while, he's one of the good guys...........

[sirprize]

Without a doubt Phil Taylor http://www.pianos4me.co.uk/. I think he still has a Model C and an E both of which he has restored from scratch. I haven't tried the E but his 'C' has one of the very last UK-made Langer actions. Phil makes his own bass strings. He DID have two Cs and I put a deposit down on one of them but I couldn't sort out my accomodation and it went elsewhere. Now I can't afford the other C but it's a wonderful instrument at a very good price. I'd always been disappointed by all the Bechstein restorations I'd previously tried - they all sounded 'wooden' - till I heard Phil's. I just wish I had the room and the dosh to buy one of his Bechstein grands!

[PianoGuy]

Blimey.

I don't doubt he's good, but somebody please tell him to do something about that shocking website. Spelling errors, poor grammar and a completely unattractive layout do him no favours.

[mdw]

[PianoGuy]

[sirprize]

Very sensitive subject.....dyselxia perhaps?.....is Phil aware of his spelling etc?......and its possible effect on his potential customers? I wish he'd give his content to someone else to proof-read. Phil, if you're reading this please don't take it the wrong way. Your work is obviously held in high regard by many people

[Number32]

Thank you all for the very helpful information you've kindly provided!

[PianoGuy]

[Number32]

Hi all,
Just a few more questions. Does anybody have any experience (or knowledge about) the following rebuilders?

Courtney Pianos -- they claim to be Bechstein specialists
Besbrode Pianos -- they also claim to rebuild many Bechsteins
Thornhill Pianos.

Thank you all once again! -- Mark

[Barrie Heaton]