It was asked/said, (on the other list): "Subject: value of a John Broadwood grand Message: I have a customer with 6'4" Broadwood A-A. It is from the 1880s and in pretty good shape considering its age. It is straight strung, has wooden pedals, wood key frame, and all original parts except for 1 bass string. He is trying to decide if and how much rebuiding to under take. Any info or help would be appreciated." If someone wishes to forward this to the "other list", please feel free.<G> The Grand, in question, is NOT and an 1880's grand! Most likely it is a vintage of the early 1860's or 1870's. Since Broadwood has such a weird numbering system, this sort of confusion runs rampant. The keys to my assessment are: 1. wooden pedal, (I suspect two only. Sostenuto was not invented until mid 1870's) 2. It being "straight strung", makes it of the dates above. The better term would be Flat Strung or Parallel Strung....all strings being on the same lateral plane. If someone has a copy of "By Appointment" the dating could be better done from the info therein. As for the "wood key frame" thang, that is not relevent to anything, since most brands have a wood key. I suspect this is actually referring to Wooden Action Brackets. If so, it still does not mean anything, since many manufacturers were using that "feature" into the 20th century! I suspect the action is a Renner type. In the Broadwood numbering system, the model and size of the instrument is most relevent. I suspect they started a whole new numbering for each new "model's" inception. Go figger. As for the value of said instrument? My first question would be: How much did you pay for it? Second question: How would you use the piano after rebuilding? Third Question: How much are you willing to spend? From that I'd have an idea where this is all going and why.<G> If the client is unwilling or hesitant to answer any of those questions, then I would vacate the premises ASAP.<G> Regards, Joe Joe Garrett, R.P.T. Captain of the Tool Police Squares R I
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