That sounds fascinating, Gene. Hurry back to the client and take a photograph for us! I have realised recently that I ought to take more piano photgraphs, both to record oddities, and for art's skae. I love Carl Root's beautiful piano photographs on the ptg website (photography is a subject I have taught in college). Back to your bells piano though - do you think it came out the factory like that, or was later worked on? I guess probably the former? Best wishes, David. "Have a client with a Shoninger upright #7048 dated 1885 in excellent condition. Lots of quality work done to it over the years. It was a gift to a church - they wanted me to fix the middle pedal as they say it did nothing when depressed. On closer inspection I found that the middle pedal when engaged, coupled the action to an additional smaller action mounted under the key bed that spans two 1/2 octaves up from G5. This smaller action when engaged is syncronized with the key causing a wooden hammer like part to strike a small bell, simultaneous with the felt hammer on string. The bells are very closely tuned to the wire when at pitch and give a very unique sound - not rinky tink, more like a nicely made chime or cymbal. They were amazed at the little treasure that was discovered behind the bottom board and out of sight. I have never seen this and am curious if anyone has. Any information would be appreciated. Gene Nelson"
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