Herz French Double

Every now and then, I come across an instrument that I want to keep for myself.
This French double, made by Eric Herz in 1976, instrument number 251, tops my list.
I've just completed a restoration of this perfectly made, beautiful sounding instrument.

Albrecht square piano

Every now and then then, I come across an instrument bearing the signature of its maker.

I could barely contain my excitement when I uncovered this note, hidden deep inside the case of a square piano made in 1813 by Charles Albrecht, written by Charles Deal, Philadelphia, 1813.
It reads:  
The Person who first casts his eye on this may know that this Piano was made in the year 1813 about the time Bonaparte was defeated by the Russians.
Charles Deal
(click on image to enlarge)

Square Piano, Charles Albrecht, 1813

Charles Albrecht, Phildelphia, 1813

Colmar Ruckers

This instrument, which recently underwent a complete restoration in my workshop, was built by the late, great Earl Russell, one of his last instruments. It is one of the most beautiful sounding harpsichords on which I have ever had the privilege to work.
R.I.P., Earl.
Wish I could have known you.

Broadwood Square

Pictured is a Broadwood square grand, maker's number 36022, built circa 1826.

The instrument was restored a few years ago, and the quality of the work was quite good.

Unfortunately, the right side of the case could no longer withstand the enormous tension of the hitchpin rail, and has failed spectacularly.

Stay tuned.

 (Click on images to enlarge.)

Clementi Square Piano

Pictured is a Clementi & Co. square grand, makers number 14537, circa 1818, which will eventually undergo a complete restoration.

Unfortunately, it appears that a well intentioned but rather incompetent "restorer" did some work on the instrument at some point in its life, having replaced the original overspun bichord bass strings with single, overly heavy wound strings, along with a few other inappropriate additions and "improvements."

Fortunately, the instrument is complete.  The ivories are all present, and in remarkably good condition, as are the original hammers.

Stay tuned.

 

 

Hubbard bentside spinet

Before and after restoration.

My workshop

French Double Manual Harpsichord

Pictured is a French double manual built by David Jacques Way, 1988, belonging to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, PA.
Unfortunately, this instrument had undergone a previous "restoration" of very poor quality.

French Double Manual Harpsichord

Here are a view views of the stringing, before and after my restoration.