Thomas J. Tropp, D.Mus.
Conductor, Musicologist, Recording Producer, Keyboard Technician
P.A. Starck Piano #74943
Founded in 1891 by Philip A. Starck, this venerable maker was located on South Ashland Avenue in Chicago until the mid-1960s. Currently for sale company's piano number 74943, a five-foot grand manufactured in 1930.
Status: This piano has been sold and delivered to its new home in Bernardsville, New Jersey.
Commentary: This is a beautiful, Chicago-built piano from the heyday of the American piano industry. The finish is in a stunning zebra mahogany. Original soundboard and pinblock were in perfect shape and were retained. The instrument has been restrung, revitalized, and fully regulated. The original action was retained, but will only last a few more years under moderate to heavy use. Likewise, the hammers are likely only good for ten to fifteen more years. This work can be completed now or scheduled for a later year, depending upon the buyer's budget.
The piano as it looked immediately upon delivery from the seller. It had been in a climate-controlled storage unit for several years, on its side, with lid, legs, fallboard, and trapwork removed. (Inspector visible in this photo is my 4-year-old.)
Bass side of case. Note the several chips in the veneer along the top rim.
Overall a very solid instrument, but in much need to some TLC!
The piano as it looked immediately upon delivery from the seller. It had been in a climate-controlled storage unit for several years, on its side, with lid, legs, fallboard, and trapwork removed. (Inspector visible in this photo is my 4-year-old.)
Because the soundboard required no repairs, the plate stayed in the piano for its refinishing. This required use of nearly an entire Sunday Tribune to protect the soundboard and case from the spray.
Before refinishing the plate, the tuning pin bushings - the wooden inserts visible in each hole - had to be removed. This is a simple task when the plate has been removed, but a tedious one of grinding and prying in this case.
The soundboard, refinished with shellac -- most likely the finish used originally. Note the uncleaned portion around the perimeter of this decal: a necessary measure to avoid its destruction.
Because the soundboard required no repairs, the plate stayed in the piano for its refinishing. This required use of nearly an entire Sunday Tribune to protect the soundboard and case from the spray.
Stringing is underway with the first two unisons complete.
Stringing is underway with the first two unisons complete.
New tuning pins and stringing felt to compliment the shiny new strings
Stringing is underway with the first two unisons complete.
Replacement of the pedals was necessary, as one pedal was missing and the other two severely tarnished. Because the original pedals were of an unusual size, new holes had be be drilled inside the box in order to accommodate the new ones.
Replacement of the pedals was necessary, as one pedal was missing and the other two severely tarnished. Because the original pedals were of an unusual size, new holes had be be drilled inside the box in order to accommodate the new ones.
