[pianotech] 1904 Starr Upright

[Joseph Garrett]

Rob asked: 
"My real question is this... They want to know what it would cost to
replace this piano with an identical 1904 Starr upright for insurance
purpose, and what might be a comparable upright today. I have a pretty good
idea of the various grades the new upright could be, but I'm not sure where
this piano stood in it's day as far as the quality and prestige of the
piano. 
 
So would this piano have been at the lower end, middle or higher end of the
spectrum? I'm guessing one of the first two by appearances but I wanted to
appeal to the group as a whole to get a collective idea. Anyone have any
Starr experience?
 
Either way, I know it's not much, but I wanted to make sure I got it
right... The owner is claiming it's worth enough for me to go out and buy a
brand new Steinway M... :-)"

I own an 8', (actual 7' 10"), Starr Grand. Built like Godzilla! My mover
said it was the heaviest he'd ever encountered!<G> Quality? Middle of the
road. I've run into several Uprights, most, I'd classify as middle of the
road, nothing outstanding sort of thing. Usually, well built w/good tone
and touch. Most certainly not in the Chickering/S&S/Knabe/M&H class! 
That's my take on that.
Joe


Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I