Bechstein question

[Stéphane Collin]

Hello all.

Do not the same mistake as I did for years.  In the Bechstein pianos, the
number carved in the wooden frame, which is also on the soundboard, on the
key lid and blocks, and on all parts of the case, is not the serial number,
but the case number (with the exception of the ones earlyer than 1880 or so,
where the serial number is stenciled on the soundboard).  So you should find
the serial number stenciled on the cast iron frame, somewhere between the
tenor and bass sections, at the pinblock side.
I did cover many of them when repainting the frame, because I beleaved that
the case number was the serial number.  I am now ashamed.  I shall never do
it again.

The series A (smaller), B, C, D, E (larger) replaced the I (larger), II,
III, IV, V (smaller) at about the turn of the century.  Models V and B have
the same size (200 cm), V having the fishtail while B not.

After 1920, they built even smaller models.

Best regards.

Stéphane Collin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 1:33 PM
Subject: Re: Bechstein question


> So where would a Model A1 (approximately 180 cm) made in 1900 fit in?
Perhaps it is part of a new series (reletive to those described below) of
designs as it has a continuous rim around the tail, but it does have a sharp
corner at the high treble end?
>
> Terry Farrell
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Calin Tantareanu" <dnu@fx.ro>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 3:09 AM
> Subject: Re: Bechstein question
>
>
> Hello!
>
> It is probably the piano model; isn't it around 218cm long?
> Up to around 1902, Bechstein built 5 sizes of grand; these were known as
models I to V ('roman' 1-5).
> The largest was the Model 'I' which was 9ft (275cm) long; Bechstein's
Concert Grand.
> The Model 'II' was 8ft 4in (254cm) long;
> the Model 'III' was 7ft 8in (234cm) long;
> the Model 'IV' was 7ft 2in (218cm) long;
> the Model 'V' - the shortest and most frequently built - was 6ft 7in
(200cm) long.
>
> These usually don't have a continous rim, but one made of pieces, so the
tail has corners.
>
> I hope this helps.
>
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------
> Calin Tantareanu
> ----------------------------------------------------
> e-mail: dnu@fx.ro
> http://calintantareanu.tripod.com
> ----------------------------------------------------
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: David Love
>   To: Pianotech
>   Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 6:49 AM
>   Subject: Bechstein question
>
>
>   What does the roman numeral IV printed on the soundboard refer to.
>
>   David Love
>
>
>