Wing

[Albert Walter Thomas]

Greetings, list;
     Re: Wing & Sons,  I located years ago a 5-pedal Wing in Montgomery ,
Al;   I went to analyze it, for possible personal use, at the apt. of two
nurses who did not appear sentimental or musical at all (one was selling it
unemotionally, although it was her grandmother's, and quite beautiful still
as well).  As I played various trial pieces and fragments, the two "tough
and practical" nurses started crying at the beauty of the sound (even though
untuned since prehistory!) I bought it for my daughters (and myself of
course) and they practiced through 3-4 levels on it.  Even the ivory is
still perfect.  So....my vote for the mysterious "Wings", hopefully many are
still well-preserved. The mating of soundboard and scale design was
extremely sensitive, at least in this model, and the craftsmanship was superb.

Albert Thomas
Faculty accompanist
Tuner-technician
Auburn University
Thomas Piano Sales & Service



At 09:41 PM 6/2/99 -0500, you wrote:
>
>
>Philip Jamison wrote:
>
>> The Wing pianos are interesting. They had a second set of hammers, I
>> think, which operated off the "regular" hammers. These were mounted on
>> springs to give a "mandolin" effect. They had other pedals labeled
>> "harp", etc. which combined this effect with the soft pedal. The extra
>> parts are often gone (must've gotten in the way). The Wing was sold only
>> by mail through an elaborate catalog from around 1892-the 1920s. I have
>> one which has beautiful, full-page lithos of the various models (all
>> uprights) and a special black "viewing tube". The idea was to give a
>> 3-D-type effect. I can just see the family dreaming about their new
>> piano around the kerosene lamp. By the way, they're not bad pianos.
>
>I came across one of these a number of years ago.  Unfortunately it was in
>the hands of what I refer to as a "Piano Butcher"- a so-called "teknishun"
>who didn't care about this unique instrument enough to pass it on to someone
>who did.  Thus he left it outside in the wicked southeast summer rain.  By
>the time I saw it there wasn't much to look at.  Based on past research I
>new these to be unique and desirable instruments.  Armed with that knowledge
>I quickly whipped out a screwdriver and salvaged the beautiful cast iron
>decorative plate which the pedals extend through, (what are those things
>called anyway?)  The plate has four slots for four pedals instead of the
>typical three.  Perhaps someday I'll find an appropriate use for this
>special piece of antique piano hardware.
>
>Rob Goodale, RPT
>
>