[pianotech] Collard & Collard

[Joseph Garrett]

David,
just perused all of the photos. It seems to be in very good condition. I
have done a restoration/rebuild on one very much like that one. I would not
refinish it! From an aesthetic standpoint and from an historic standpoint
it is not needed or warranted. It does need to restrung and have the scale
evaluated and redone so that the instrument can be tuned to 440cps w/o
overstressing that "strutted construction". What you didn't show, was the
elaboate beaming under the piano! That sucker's pretty strong for it's day.
Made after Clementi died, hence the name.<G> Not of great significance, but
a beauty nonetheless. The action is a single escapement, ...er sorta, but
the spung "balancier" sort of acts like a standard balancier. The action
looks to be pristine! I would simply reconditon what needs to be and just
touch up the regulation.<G>
Now, for the second part of this:
Paul said:
"What a great find, David! Wow! In incredible shape, too. I wouldn't
refinish it at all. I would restring it, though. It would be a great
historical item to hear what Ludwig might have found in the day. Maybe he
even could have played that piano!! Perhaps any number of great composers
of the day might have touched it! Again, I will say WoW! I doubt that you
would want to get it to an A-440 state, but whatever was the tuning pitch
in the day?.maybe A-415 or so. Very cool!"
 
Paul,
The Average pitch of the time in London, was approximately 425cps. I keep
seeing references to pitch standards that appear to be plucked from the
friggin' air! What's that all about people? Please, do the research before
jumping into that pit, in the future. (Helmhotz) I think all would
appreciate it.<G> As for famous composers playing on that instrument, it's
possible, but unlikely imo. 
Joe
 
Back to David:
It appears that the House the piano sits in is in a process of
refurbishment. If that is so, ya need to convince the owner to get the
piano out of there! Send it to an intelligent rebuilder that will do as
I've outlined. Musically, it can georgous.
Best to David and Paul <G>


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