Vintage square grand pianos were manufactured in the mid-nineteenth century and are from the Victorian age of building when master craftsmen would build and train the trade apprentice by building and carving furniture and pianos by hand, largely in small shops in the industrialized cities of the era from the Midwest to the upper east coast. Using old growth timber from hand sawn logs the piano builder would carve and assemble the veneers and plied case of square pianos with simple hand tools, clamps and forms. Being produced for a burgeoning market of upper middle class and the elite, careful attention was given to details to insure the square piano would be a welcomed addition to the new owner’s worldly possessions.
Since many local piano tuners and restorers are not versed in square grand restoring, many old square grand pianos are in a condition that is less than marginal, both aesthetically and mechanically. With strings and felts over a century old, the sound and tone quality is greatly reduced; lessening any musical potential the instrument might posses. Sadly in the past, square grand pianos have been defaced by some, the action and plate being removed to make a piece of furniture or desk or even worse, completely destroyed by being burned or carried away to the land field.
In recent years there has been a renaissance of interest and enthusiasm surrounding the square piano, this in part to the revival of the preservation and renewal of all things Victorian. There has also been a trend toward an increasing auction and market value of these pieces, insuring that their condition is good, many are bringing hefty sums. Now, some of the most celebrated piano restorer and connoisseurs are engaging in the restoration and renewal of a large number of square grand pianos, thus preserving their legacy so they will be with us for generations to come.
When your ready to proceed with the restoration of your square grand piano there are several excellent information sources about piano restoration on various blogs that will assist you in finding the best piano rebuilding firm. Finding a trusted rebuilder that has both reasonable prices and a reputation for excellent work is a necessity. Luckily there are several square piano restoration shops that offer this service and have quick turn around times.
Since many local piano tuners and restorers are not versed in square grand restoring, many old square grand pianos are in a condition that is less than marginal, both aesthetically and mechanically. With strings and felts over a century old, the sound and tone quality is greatly reduced; lessening any musical potential the instrument might posses. Sadly in the past, square grand pianos have been defaced by some, the action and plate being removed to make a piece of furniture or desk or even worse, completely destroyed by being burned or carried away to the land field.
In recent years there has been a renaissance of interest and enthusiasm surrounding the square piano, this in part to the revival of the preservation and renewal of all things Victorian. There has also been a trend toward an increasing auction and market value of these pieces, insuring that their condition is good, many are bringing hefty sums. Now, some of the most celebrated piano restorer and connoisseurs are engaging in the restoration and renewal of a large number of square grand pianos, thus preserving their legacy so they will be with us for generations to come.
When your ready to proceed with the restoration of your square grand piano there are several excellent information sources about piano restoration on various blogs that will assist you in finding the best piano rebuilding firm. Finding a trusted rebuilder that has both reasonable prices and a reputation for excellent work is a necessity. Luckily there are several square piano restoration shops that offer this service and have quick turn around times.
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