C. Bechstein Model A

C. Bechstein Model A Boudoir Grand Piano
Serial Number: 96917

Dimensions

Approximately 184 cm long × 145 cm wide × 99 cm high
(approximately 6 ft long)

A fine C. Bechstein Model A boudoir grand piano, approximately six feet in length, with an interesting musical provenance and a substantial recent professional restoration.

Provenance

The piano was purchased from Forsyths of Manchester in 1982 and was subsequently owned for many years by a music professor at Lancaster University, remaining with him until his retirement.

Following his death, his widow was particularly keen that the piano should continue to be played and enjoyed rather than simply disposed of. She therefore commissioned a substantial restoration so that the instrument could continue its musical life for another generation.

It is a lovely history for the instrument and means this is not simply another second-hand grand piano, but one which has spent much of its life in the ownership of a professional musician and has subsequently been restored specifically to preserve it for the future.

Restoration

The piano has undergone extensive restoration, including:

Cast-iron frame resprayed
Complete restring
Tuning pins replaced
Action regulated and repaired where necessary
New felts and leathers fitted where required
Hammers refaced
Keyboard repairs and replacements where necessary
Casework repaired and restored where possible

Following the restoration, the piano was inspected by Paul Mill of P Mill Piano, a professional piano tuner and technician based in the Lancaster and Skipton area whose work includes piano tuning, restoration and moving.

Paul commented:

“The piano is in good structural and musical condition following restoration and is performing well.”



The piano is therefore ready to be played and enjoyed rather than being offered as a restoration project.

The piano

The Model A is one of Bechstein’s classic smaller grand pianos. At approximately six feet long, it is often described as a boudoir grand – large enough to provide the depth and tonal character associated with a quality grand piano, while remaining manageable in a domestic music room, drawing room or larger living space.

The piano has the warm, refined character traditionally associated with Bechstein instruments of this period.

As would be expected of an instrument of its age, there are some minor cosmetic imperfections to the casework. These do not significantly detract from its overall appearance and are shown honestly in the photographs.

Its combination of Bechstein quality, musical provenance and substantial restoration makes it a particularly interesting instrument for a serious pianist or anyone looking for a characterful grand piano for a period or contemporary home.