"Birdcage Pianos"

[Robert Wilson]

--- Clair Dunn <cadunn@vt2000.com> wrote:
> Joe-
> Just about 2 months ago I tuned my first "birdcage
> piano". It did take
> longer to tune, but I thought it was exciting to see
> and to work on.
> 
> I've read about them, but never thought I'd see one.
> So, I for one, liked
> the experience. I didn't charge any more though.
> 
> BUT -- I assume that the system was a precursor to
> the current system. But,
> I don't know why it was done that way unless there
> was something to be
> gained by damping on the short side of the strike
> point.
> 
> Can you tell me why?? And, it was a Boyd (London) --
> anybody know anything
> about them?
> 
> Thanks,
> Clair
> 
>
In the birdcage era every home had a piano - it was
absolutely essential.  Therefore cheap ones had to be
made for poorer people.  Boyd were considered a fairly
good (middle of the road) make.  Solid and reliable. 
Tonally nothing special but a good, servicable
instrument.

If you enjoy tuning birdcage pianos please come to
London - we still seem to have a lot of these left!
Maybe it's just that our climate is conducive to
pianos lasting longer!

I always use Papps wedges to mute these (do you have
these in USA?)  It is best to remove the soft pedal
celeste felt before tuning so as not to impede the
insertion of the wedges.

Bob Wilson
London

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