Chickering

[Les Smith]

Hi, George. Chickering Brothers pianos were made in Chicago, and date from
the late 19th century. Not only were they related to the better-known
Chickering and Sons of Boston, but Clifford C. Chickering of the Chicago
branch of the family learned piano-making by working in Chickerings Boston
factory for a number of years. I believe that all grands produced by
Chickering Brothers of Chicago carried either the name "Acoustigrand",
or the earlier "Capacoustic" grand. These piano were very well regarded
in their day and were noted for their tone-quality and projection, both
of which were the result of a soundboard design resembling Steinways. I've
rebuilt a couple of 6'2" Acoustigrands in recent years and they both turned
out to be exceptional instruments, although not in the class of a Steinway
or Mason, etc.  As to the scales of these pianos, I'm sure that I have them
around here somewhere and could dig them out for you. But, come on, George,
dust off your micrometer and "mike" those old strings as you remove them!
I may be in the minority here, but I ALWAYS mike every string I remove from
a piano, even if I know the scale and even if it's marked on the plate or
bridge. Old habits die hard. And it's interesting to note that sometimes
even factory stringers don't always follow their own scales! That Chickering
Brother's Acoustigrand should prove itself to be a worthwhile rebuild.

Les Smith
lessmith@buffnet.net

On Sun, 18 Aug 1996, george takats wrote:

> Hello to all,
>
> Presently I am working on a Chickering Bros. 6' Gr. piano.  It needs new
> pin-block, strings and hammers.
> On the soundingboard there is decal that describes the warranty and a
> disclaimer to Chickering & Sons in Boston.  Aparently Chickering Bros.
> pianos were made in Chicago.  It also refers to "Acoustigrande".
> At the brake between the bass and tenor tuning pins the writing is: "Duplex
> Scale", and below it Scale B-2.
> On the agraffe the writing is: "impoved Capo Dastro bar with "Equalizing
> Lug" device patented May 19 1908".
> BTW the serial number is 14918.  I presume it was built in 1917-18.
> Any information will be greatly appreciated on this instrument, especially a
> reference to [Scale B-2 and "Equalizing Lug" device].
> Thanks,
> George Takats
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