1896 Trowbridge Upright Piano
The strings on this beautiful upright piano could not be
tuned without breaking. Keeping the piano as original as possible, while staying within my clients budget, I was able
to bring this fine instrument back to life.
I repaired a few loose ribs and cracks on the soundboard, re-calculated the string
scale and restrung using German music wire. The action required minimal repair. I repined a few flanges, reshaped
the original hammers, installed new dampers and gave it a fine regulation. I also rubbed out the original finish and restored its
complete set of ivories.
This is a wonderful 5' 10 1/2" grand by Steinway. The
model "L", sometimes refurred to as the "parlor grand", is Steinways smallest professional
artist instrument.
The soundboard was in excellent condition with the exception of three
small cracks along one grain line. I was able to repair the area (the "whiter" strip on the soundboard)
and maintain the original finish on the rest of the board. The base bridge was loose and seperating on one end when under
string tension.
The original black satin finish had several dings, dents and scratches. I
repaired the cabinet and refinished the piano in a wonderful black medium rub lacquer.
I used a high quality German music wire and followed the original
Steinway string scale. WOW!! What a sound!! It made the hair on my arms jump up!!
Pianos built by Steinway in the mid 60's have Teflon bushings in
the action. Many of these pianos developed a "clicking" sound when the keys were pressed. The last stage of restoration for
this piano was replacing all the action components with new German parts made by Renner.
Here are a few pictures of an upright piano I had the privilege to restore
for one of my clients. When properly repaired, these old uprights can produce a tone comparable to mid sized grands.
As you can see, the cabinet was painted green. The sound board had
several cracks and a few loose ribs. I shimmed up the cracks and tightened the ribs and then gave the sound board a new finish.
There were a few minor problems with the treble bridge that I was able to repair, but the base bridge required
replacement.
Using newer techniques to analyze the string scale then were available
when this fine instrument was made, I was able to enhance the tone and tuning stability.
My client wanted the piano to compliment the other fine antiques
in her home. This is an open pour lacquerer finish over a walnut stained mahogany veneer. At the time of this
picture, I had yet to complete the restoration of the original ivory keys.
