UK Piano Page Piano Discussion Forums

Nikkichick · Member Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Australia

Hello, We have just purchased a second hand Bell piano and I am really interested to find out its age and some history. I am living in Australia and I do know that it orginated from the UK. Its serial number is 14364 - is there a register somewhere of Bell pianos that could assist with its age etc.? I would also like to know if the keys are likely to be ivory - the whole instrument is filthy, and I want to clean it. Any ideas - any help appreciated. Many thanks. Nikki

Bill Kibby · Posted: Sat Oct 01, 2005 2:39 pm Post subject: Bell

In order to judge its age, we need to know which Bell made it. If it's Canadian, the number suggests 1905. No others have published dates of numbers. I can't tell you if the keys are ivory without seeing it, but old ivory usually has a join level with the front of the sharps (black notes). There is nothing especially unusual about ivory keys.
_________________
I do not buy, sell or value pianos, but I sometimes rescue wood-frame pianos in the UK.

My own website: http://www.pianogen.org

Email Bill@PianoGen.org

Piano History Centre

Guelph · Member Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Canada

Around 1905 if it is made in Canada, that's it. You can find some information about this issue in guelpharts.ca FAQ or search "bell piano guelph" on google than you must find some pages from this site.
I'm living in Guelph and just got one Bell into my living room today. For the interesting serial number of 3811, I have searched on the internet from several hours ago. It may mean my "new" piano is older than 100 years. No, that's yours. Mine should be older than 110 years.......
Just like what I will need, you may need to hire a piano technician to give your piano a complete check. At least you will need a tuning to make it "able to sing". But prior to that work, please wait for 2 weeks to let your old beauty adapt to her new environment.
Ok....that's what I got from the internet today! Wink

hamiltonbell · Member Joined: 15 Nov 2006 Posts: 2

Anyone have a Bell piano from Guelph, Ontario, Canada? I just recently acquired a Bell, and Bill Kibby was nice enough to help me identify it as from around 1915. This was confirmed from the www.guelpharts.ca

I will post pictures of the piano in a few days. It sounds fantastic.

Guelph · Member Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Canada

hamiltonbell · Member Joined: 15 Nov 2006 Posts: 2

yes, let me know of the web address when you have it. the photos are taken, just have to get around to posting them. it is a very plain exterior, going with the style at the time (1915) i believe.

Guelph · Member Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Canada

Sure, old pianos rarely lie on their styles! Wink

For an example, the style of your Bell never exist in earlier years, and the style of my Bell has very rare chance to reappear in later years. Every era has its preference.
I sent pm with link for Bell photos. Please enjoy them!

bellbird · Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2007 8:58 am Post subject: Bell Piano

HI, we are all excited, we also have just purchased a Bell Piano Guelph
this afternoon. We live in New Zealand and my husband is Canadian...would love to know what age our piano is, series number is 32048...and very simple in style, so really thought it must be much younger than what you were talking about at the end of 06. We get it fixed up by a piano specialist, basics, but no new felts etc. Does anyone know about the qualitiy of sound of these kind of pianos? I am a flutist ,our son will start to play. Are there any kind of 'club of bell piano friends' around the world?

natdtechguy · New Member Joined: 30 Sep 2007 Posts: 1 Location: NZ

I got given a Bell piano quite a long time ago. The only number on the inside which I can find is 131268. That is 6 numbers, and the serial numbers only go up to 5 digits. Apparently it might be a patent date. There are no other numbers or anything, except I opened up under the piano, and on the frame is -466 c. I am very inexperienced with pianos and only 13 years old. Help gratefully accepted.

Bill Kibby · Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 10:26 am Post subject: Bell

This seems much too high for a Bell number, is it the Guelph firm, or some other Bell?
_________________
I do not buy, sell or value pianos, but I sometimes rescue wood-frame pianos in the UK.

My own website: http://www.pianogen.org

Email Bill@PianoGen.org

Piano History Centre

goldeagle1 · New Member Joined: 26 May 2008 Posts: 1

I have something similar to natdtechguy - the only number I can find on the inside on the iron frame is 136979, which seems too high when comparing it to the serial number/age table.

I'm interested in finding out a bit more about the piano, in particular its age, if anyone is able to help.

On the lid it says "Bell London & Canada".

On the metal frame inside the piano, as well as the number, it says
"Bell Piano & Organ Co Ltd."