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Presumin Ed · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 1:07 am Post subject: I need an "empty" piano

This probably sounds like sacrilege to piano people but I need a broken one for a salvage project. Really, I need an upright piano with no "innards". Are these to be found? eBay has loads of pianos, virtually for free (pick-up only), but they all seem to be in working order or just about. I'd hate to destroy a musical instrument... but if there's an already totally kaput or "empty" one out there, I could really use it... Thanks, Chris... PS My project does NOT involve destroying the exterior of the piano - it would be carefully adapted and restored... Very Happy

dave brum · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 8:39 pm Post subject:

Do you want a piano 'Withnails'?

Presumin Ed · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:30 pm Post subject:

Yes, man, that would be cool. But mainly I need it to store my carrots - my place in Camberwell is littered with the things. And I think my globe would look good on top...

Celestite · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 7:13 pm Post subject:

Cheers Guys! Just when I thought I'd have to spend all evening nursing my broken toe and feeling sorry for myself, you've given me a new mission for the day - I now have to Google the Camberwell Carrot and find out what on earth you're both going on about!

Celestite · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 7:13 pm Post subject:

Cheers Guys! Just when I thought I'd have to spend all evening nursing my broken toe and feeling sorry for myself, you've given me a new mission for the day - I now have to Google the Camberwell Carrot and find out what on earth you're both going on about!

Celestite · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 7:21 pm Post subject:

Ok, got the nails and carrot connection. How does that relate to the piano thing?

dave brum · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 8:13 pm Post subject:

Incidentally, note the background Schubert piano music in the scene where Withnail and 'I' meet Uncle Monty for the first time at his house. So there is a piano connection in our coded conversation on Camberwell Carrots.

Just don't ask PresuminEd what's inside his doll!

Oh, this ain't answering poor Ed's question, is it!

Presumin Ed · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 2:47 am Post subject:

Yes, man, my doll is extremely dangerous. It has voodoo qualities. The greatest decade in the history of mankind is coming to an end and, as Presumin' Ed has so consistently pointed out, we have failed to paint it black...

(I don't suppose either of you actually has an empty piano... or knows where to find one... remember, man, moving an empty piano is much less dangerous to toes than moving a full one... they're selling hippie wigs in Woolworth's, man... but empty pianos, you won't find one...)

Celestite · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 6:00 am Post subject:

There was actually one on ebay a couple of weeks ago, so keep checking it out!

silvermist · Regular Poster Joined: 21 Mar 2008 Posts: 13

Hi

Well, there is an iron piano frame for sale on ebay so perhaps they have the old shell which they might feel is not worth selling together. Hope this helps - good luck!

(Hi Celestite and dave - I'm still looking for a good (UPRIGHT Exclamation

- thanks to your advice) piano but no luck - my son is 7 today!)

dave brum · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 2:14 pm Post subject:

I used to know of an 'environmental charity shop' when I lived in Bristol (bashed manky auld furniture going cheap) that sold ancient out of tune upright pianos with keys that stick and notes that don't play. I'd be tempted to have a look round one of those sort of places, pay really cheaply to get the thing home, and take the works out yourself. You may find one or two decent spares in there to use on your rebuild.

Presumin Ed · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 9:53 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that. I'll look out for a place of that nature. If the Brizzle one is still going I actually have a pal (not an uncle) down that way I can visit at the same time. If I go on holiday by mistake, that is... I think the Jag'll make it... Wink

Presumin Ed · Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 9:58 pm Post subject:

Thanks also Celestine and silvermist... I'll keep an eye on the 'bay as well... actually I've seen many on there where the "seller" says it would be ideal for a young beginner...

dave brum · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 1:29 pm Post subject:

It's called Bristol Beavers and it's on the Gloucester Road in Horfield. But, the reason why I advertise it is for you to check it's still there, you never know it may have turned into a St*rb*cks or something in the years I've been away.

You might even pick up a new suit for the coal man in there.

Presumin Ed · Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 12:21 am Post subject:

Yes, man, the Coalman's kaftan is showing some wear - it has been 42 years now since he got it for his court appearance...

(Thanks for the info, btw... Bristols? Beavers? Tee hee! I have friends on the sports desk of the Post and I exhort them if Rovers or City are beaten in the Cup to write the headline: "Bristol's Out!"... snigger... so childish...)

Actually, I'm here in Quebec right now staying on Chemin Forest in Rawdon (just north of Montéal)... it intersects avec Rue Beaver... ti hee... jolie rue, mind you...

dave brum · Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 5:52 am Post subject:

...and from Withnail, we go to Carry On Camping...

Presumin Ed · Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 3:38 pm Post subject:

Ya...

Actually, it's more like being a Philip Roth novel... I'm staying a magic cottage with a superheroine called OCD Girl... she drives me nuts, but...