FOR SALE. Beautiful 1904 Bechstein Model A (number 73290) grand piano in a rosewood cabinet, with three turned octagonal legs in original condition and a delicate fretwork music desk.
Measures 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) from the keyhole to the far end and is 4 ft 8 1/2 in (144 cm) wide.
Reason for sale: I now live in a small London flat which cannot accommodate this fine instrument and long-time friend.
Hammer felts were refreshed and mechanism was checked and readjusted in 1996. Has been tuned every 6 months and has been played regularly.
Bechstein sound boards are made up of a number of pieces of wood glued together. Over time, the drying of the glue reveals the joins between the separate pieces. Although the joins are now visible on this sound board, I have been advised by my piano tuner that this is normal for a Bechstein and does not affect its sound or playing. Similarly there are two miniature cracks in the metal fixtures nearest the keyboard, which tuners have described as standard for a Bechstein of this age.
If you would like a second opinion or further advice on these or other more technical questions, my piano tuner would be happy to offer his assessment of the instrument. Please contact me on nicksandars@cantab.net and I will get you both in touch.
Players describe the keyboard as responsive, with equal tone across the instrument's whole range. To see for yourself, have a look at the photos and watch the video of my piano being played in February 2012:
www.flickr.com/photos/75393236@N06/
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UEI6Cy-dWY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAqGOhAwZE
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5qSRWR2qBI
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA41m37xK04
Soon after Bechstein started making pianos, Hans von Bulow, the first conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, said, "Bechstein is for pianists as Stradivarius and Amati are for violinists." Nothing has changed since then -- Bechstein continues to be one of the absolutely top-of-the-range pianos for all players. This one has the added beauty of the Rosewood case, which makes it an especially attractive piece of furniture as well.
I have loved and played it since 1996: it would be fantastic to see that carry on with its new owner.
If you want to talk to me about the piano, then please email your questions to nicksandars@cantab.net,and I will do my best to reply within 24 hours.
If you'd like to arrange a viewing please write to my Dad, Edward, at postmaster@sandars.plus.com. Buyer to collect from ground floor location in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
Price: £5,500.
