Broadwood and sons questions

[David Boyce]

"And just to clarify - I am not a birdcage-basher. In fact, I may have the 
opportunity to purchase one myself very soon. A top of the line Blüthner 
overdamper. Now THOSE were pianos!"

Oh yes!  I've tuned a few of those!  They were *something*!  Huge and 
magnificent.

With regard to your question about Papps wedges, Phil, you should get some! 
They're just quick and easy, especially for birdcage actions. There has been 
discussion on the list before about tuning with strip mute and single 
strings, versus unisons as you go, so I won't rehash it here. But if you 
tune a lot of birdcages, as I do, I think the Papps wedge is a necessity.

You'll have to use your inititave and experience regarding the overall state 
of the instrument. Broadwood were always a quality make however, and if the 
pinblock seems ok, and the lady really wants it, why not go for it, 
*clearly* explaining the limitations beforehand - that it won't end up 
sounding like a new Bosendorfer upright.

There have been some really quite old birdcage "cottage" pianos in my area 
that have actually been curiously satisfying to play in the end - and 
others, of course, that really should long ago have been scrapped.

Let us know how you get on!

Best regards,

David.