EAVESTAFF Upright. This British compact over strung under damper manufactured in 1963 is housed in an immaculate stylishly figured walnut cabinet measuring H: 107 cms W: 136 cms D: 62 cms , it's unusual J-shaped columns both catch the eye and give an impression of petite airiness. Tuned to A.440 less than 2years ago the sound is full and still quite bright and the Schwander action with it's 85 keys are in excellent playing condition for an instrument of this age.
PRICE: £450
LOCATION: Penarth Vale of Glamorgan
CONTACT: 07889 666901
BARGAIN BASEMENT
BROADWOOD Grand. This 5ft 7in bar-less "boudoir" No: 51487 would have been manufactured just prior to World War 1. Despite its age , all is still structurally sound and when tuned and the action and dampers properly regulated and cleaned will have an excellent touch and tone. The mahogany casework is fairly tatty and extremely sun-faded on one side. Given its 1st floor location and the £200 (approx.) required expenditure, this much loved family instrument is offered to a good home at no charge.
PRICE: FREE TO A GOOD HOME
LOCATION: Penarth Vale of Glamorgan
CONTACT: 07730 586897
£0 - £300
BLUTHNER Upright No: 59969 . This over-strung , manufactured in 1902 has an over damper action , which, because its a Bluthner and its had new damper felts actually performs as well as (if not better than) an English under damper of this period! The original strings & pins are still good and combine with the recently overhauled action to produce a rich tone with a responsive even touch. Currently @ A.430 Hz it will require a double tuning to restore the pitch and because the cabinet - H:130cms W:154cms D:69cms is by no means immaculate this quality instrument is offered at the reduced - - - - - - - -
PRICE: £250 REDUCED
LOCATION: Pontcanna Cardiff.
CONTACT: 07946 492818
£300- £600
HOPKINSON Upright. A compact 85 note model manufactured in the late 30's by this under-rated British maker and extensively re-felted and overhauled (by myself) over 20 years ago. It is therefore in excellent mechanical condition (having been little played since). Structurally all is good and as it should be - the consistently light touch producing a surprisingly "big" sound. The case-work however is beginning to show its age but is still largely quite presentable and measures; H: 118cms W: 148cms D: 60cms. Tuned very recently a 1/2tone below Concert ( so a double tuning will be needed if A.440 is required)
PRICE: £350
LOCATION: St Andrews Major, Vale of Glamorgan.
CONTACT: 07816 914333
KEMBLE Bijou Special . This medium mahogany satin-finished 7 octave model (H: 106cms W: 130cms D: 49cms) manufactured in 1971 was bought by the current owner new from Rackhams of Birmingham in the following year. Unfortunately, with no obvious Kemble Serial Number, apart from a small and very faded transfer "Made by Kemble for RACKHAMS" this instrument appears to be nameless ; but a Kemble it most definitely is - and a well preserved one at that! The cabinet is extremely presentable, having only a couple of very slight "scuffs" and the action and keys are in excellent condition for a piano of this age. Recently tuned to concert pitch (A440Hz) , a good home is eagerly sought for this much loved instrument following the passing of the pianist.
PRICE: £399
LOCATION: Dinas Powis , Vale of Glamorgan
CONTACT: 02920 514090 07718 581745 01794 519951
£600 - £1200
CRANES Upright. SU-105. This over-strung , under-damper , HHE 00046 was manufactured by Samick of Korea in 1988 and bought new by the present owner from the Cardiff dealership. Regularly tuned up until 2020 every thing about this 88 note instrument is in excellent condition. The satin finished plum mahogany cabinet measures H: 105cms W: 148cms D: 52cms. Little used but much loved by the seller, who, faced with downsizing is more concerned with finding it a good home than she is with "getting her money back".
PRICE: £800
LOCATION: Llanbradach. Caerphilly
CONTACT: 07879 658010
£1200 - £2500
BLUTHNER Upright: 117140 Manufactured in Leipzig during 1933 at what is now considered the heyday of European piano construction, this 7 octave straight strung , under damper was re-polished and given a complete mechanical rebuild by Geoffrey Winter immediately prior to being purchased by the current owner in the mid 80's. The quality of this instrument is highlighted both by it's rich singing tone (far superior to that of most British over strungs) seamlessly graded throughout the compass and by the evenness, ease and sensitivity of it's touch. Recently tuned to to A 440Hz I can confirm and advise that a) the original tuning pins are satisfactorily tight in it's current location but would advise some precautionary measures if moved to a less humid centrally heated environment and b) while the original strings have lost none of their tone , a couple of the bass bi-chords have recently been replaced. The still highly presentable cabinet is finished in a satin medium "fiddleback" mahogany and measures v. approx: H: 115cms W: 146cms D: 63cms.
PRICE: £1500 (reduced)
LOCATION: Newport Gwent
CONTACT: 01633 668949
£2500 - £5000