Working players in completely original order?
Hi all, I'm interested in your experiences on this one. A friend of mine has a fantastic collection with all sorts of wonders - Ampico B, Seeburg H, Violano, Banoorchestra, Link RX, etc.. But my favourite instrument is a 1911 Steinway Pianola Piano, that still functions perfectly in completely original condition. When I say original condition - NOTHING has ever been done to this instrument. Everything in it is completely original. The piano was purchased new by a piano teacher here in New Zealand, who used the piano function mainly, and the pianola function only for accompanying singers. My friend acquired it in the '70s, when she died aged about a million. His instruments have all been fully restored by one of America's most prominent and well-regarded restorers, and the guy was absolutely flabbergasted by the condition of this piano. You put a roll in, pump gently with a single foot, and it plays up a storm. Accents and other dynamics are achieved with ease, and the tone I can only describe as similar to a 50-year old port - rich, mellow, with infinite subtleties. No matter what the roll - whether a Pete Wendling blues, a marimba waltz, or a Chopin etude, this piano makes it sound superb. In this case, I'm guessing the extremely benign-to-instruments climate in New Zealand, the 'one careful lady owner', and the superb build and materials quality of Steinway an Aeolian all combined to create an instrument that has weathered nearly 100 years as if it were a mere week. Just how rare is this phenomenon? How many instruments have you run across in similar, original condition?

Hi, Last week I inspected a Davenport Treacy with record expression in the most immaculate condition I've ever seen. Made in 1923, the case was perfect, the hammers and piano action perfect (not a moth in sight), player action like new. The explanation was that it was purchased from it's original owner in 1998, it had spent its years in a dim room and had hardly been played. To be honest, it'looked like it came out of a time warp and I wouldve easily paid the A$3500 asked for. I hope there are lots of these original gems out there :) Paul

Oh, sorry..the point was that the piano was totally original. Paul

My Steinway Pianola grand is pretty well all original - by repute the action's never been out, and the piano action is untouched from new. The only works on the player are new cloth on the motor governor etc underneath. The player works remarkably well, abd the piano action still will play moderately quietly is a real tribute to its quality! It's not rare to see instruments that have sat untouched for a long time (and which wear out quite quckly when used, having gone brittle or rotted) - the rarity is one that continues to function in sustained use. I had to re-cover the pneumatics on my Steck grand a couple of years ago, the first time since new in 1908 - worn out from sheer use! Julian