[pianotech] Conover 77

[James Grebe]

I have a current client, just there this past Monday, with a Cable 77.  I am 
pretty sure it is the same piano you are talking about.  I have seen others 
in the past with the Conover name.  They are really nice and wish I could 
have seen them when they were new.  Seems like I read long ago that Richard 
Gerts had something to do with the design after Mason & Hamlin.
James
James Grebe Est. 1962
Piano Tuner-Technician
Creator of Custom Caster Cups
Creator of fine Writing Instruments
www.grebepiano.com
1526 Raspberry Lane
Arnold, MO 63010
(314) 608-4137
Become what you believe
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "William Truitt" <surfdog at metrocast.net>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2010 4:05 PM
Subject: [pianotech] Conover 77


> To the list:
>
>
>
> I saw my first Conover 77 yesterday ( we don't see many Conovers here in 
> the
> Northeast).  Someone had given it to my customer, and it had not been 
> tuned
> for a very long time.  It had been restrung with a new block some time 
> ago,
> and the board shimmed.  Not the best rebuild, but serviceable.  I did a
> couple of pitch raises and a fine tuning.
>
>
>
> What a nice piano, even in the rough!   The tone was very focused and
> present, with good clarity.  No killer octave in the mid treble, good
> sustain and volume in the treble.  Overall, a solid citizen of the piano
> world.
>
>
>
> The piano is about a 5' 8".  The board has 15 ribs, and a small curved cut
> off bar in the bass.  The root of the treble bridge is vertically 
> laminated
> oak.  26 bass, log scale on treble bridge.  Nicely laid out overall.  Good
> bracing underneath.  Has a treble stiffening bar stretching from the belly
> rail to the inner rim, like you see on Steinways over 6'
>
>
>
> Properly rebuilt with new hammers and strings, it could be very nice 
> indeed.
>
>
>
> Will Truitt
>
>