Broadwood and other bird cage "pianos"

[Martin Wisenbaker]

I have tuned many of these kind of pianos. However, when I come across
one with oblong pins and/or if it has just too much wrong with it, I
politely inform the owner that it is of no value as a musical instrument
especially if they plan to use it for a child to practice on. I give them
4 suggestions on how it could be used. 1. Make a desk out of it. 2. Put
an aquarium in it. 3. Make a serving bar out of it. 4. Put an electronic
keyboard in it. Usually the cases are so pretty that the owners would
like to do something with it to be able to keep it. Some times I even
explain to them how to remove the keys, action, strings, front rail pins
and measure for an electronic keyboard. I then leave it up to them as to
what they do next. 

Martin Wisenbaker, RPT
Houston, Texas