Chickering Square Grands Question

[Paul Chick (EarthLink)]

Joe
As one who is in the mix of posts regarding square grands, I appreciate your
comments and concerns for these fine instruments.  I have been trying to
market the Chickering square I have because it is all here, intact in its
original finish with only a few signs of age and wear.  Are you interested?
After 5 years of efforts--agreed not consistant or intense--I have found no
takers.  I do not have the time nor expertise to refurbish it and would like
to see it in the hands of someone who can.  It is truly a fine example of a
quality instrument of its day.  But, I have seen these examples of piano
history in just about every collection of the era, every museum I toured,
etc.  We are blessed with many examples of these fine and not so fine pianos
who made their mark.  It's not like we're driving a rare breed to
extinction.  If this one is a rare and valuable one of a kind please  help
me find a place for it. The decision to dismantle it has come after many
hours of ruminating. It needs to go, one way or another.  My apologies if
you read this and find my statements harsh.  That is not the intent.  I have
not reached my decision on a whim.  If you know someone who would enjoy the
piano, let me know.

Paul Chick
--- Original Message -----
From: "Joseph Garrett" <joegarrett@earthlink.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 06, 2002 11:58 AM
Subject: Chickering Square Grands Question


> To all,
> The comments re. trashing Square Grands is not appreciated. These
> instruments are a viable part of the historic evolution of our beloved
> instruments. Yes, many are only worthy of being used as a work bench or
boat
> anchor or......?! However, the Chickerings, Steinways, Mathuscheks, Mason
&
> Hamlins of the Square grand era are usually worthy of consideration.
> I would ask a question: How many of you would like to hear what the
> composers and performers, of the 18th and the early 19th centuries heard?
If
> you have a Square grand, in good condition and tuned to the appropriate
> temperament of the period, of the composer's period, you be hearing what
> they heard. Is this not, in itself, enlightening and worthy of a more
> considerate attitude towards these instruments????
> As for the Square Grand in question, it sounds like this one is a
> "one-of-a-kind" special order one, that, IF documentation can be obtained,
> as to it's historic background, etc. it is valuable to those who find that
> to be interesting
> If you take the proper attitude towards these instruments, quite possibly
> you will knock off the B.S. towards them. To me it simply shows the
> ignorance of the one verbalizing such garbage. (Flame suit/helmet/boots
> firmly in place!)
> Regards,
> Joe Garrett, RPT, (Oregon)
>