Antique Pianos

[a.acker at comcast.net]

Stephane,  thanks for soliciting my opinions about how to deal with antique pianos and their owners and uses.   

I have been too busy to write on this topic, as it is a huge one, and I correctly presumed there would be heated feelings.  I definitely don't have the energy to deal with that right now.

This is a topic obviously near and dear to my heart as I make my living primarily with harpsichords and 18th and 19th century pianos.   As part of this,  I consult and advise owners as to the choices and implications for their individual situation and individual instrument.

It is impossible to make sweeping generalizations in a complex area such as this.  Each situation, each piano is different, and education and knowledge are the keys.

For example of a need for more knowledge, somebody was remarking about soundboards turning to dust.   Well, no they really don't.  I have heard 300 year old soundboard which were quite fabulous.  Now, if the instrument has been stored in a wet barn for 200 of those years and has suffered dramatic woodworm damage, that is another situation.  

Please note that I am not advocating restoring 300 year old rare instruments by the prior remark.

Nor am I criticizing the writer, for they are not completely wrong.  Many early 20th century soundboards are dead and need to be replaced.  This is rarely true of early and mid 19th century boards for various reasons.   So, this is simply a matter of more information, more knowledge.

Anyway, there is too much to discuss here and I have no desire to get into arguments at this time.  I give talks on this topic, and myself and others are trying to get going panel discussions and educational sessions at the PTG conventions on this very matter.

What is clear is, if you aren't sure, ask.   Respect the instrument, respect the owner, respect knowledge.  Don't assume you know everything, for hubris learns little and makes mistakes.   If you are uncomfortable about an antique instrument, don't degrade the instrument, refer the owner to somebody else.   

There is plenty of work out there on non-antique pianos, so why take it on if you don't really want to?  

Very best regards to all,

Anne