Used, Gaveau, I (1/4)

Gaveau is an old French piano manufacturer, founded in Paris in 1847 by Joseph Gabriel Gaveau. Together with Érard and Pleyel he is one of the most renowned French piano makers. He began by dedicating himself to creating vertical instruments, paying particular attention to solidity and imitating Érard's construction; at the same time he thought about improving the double escapement mechanics invented by Érard. Thus he began the marketing of his models which will bear the Meccanica Gaveau name. Today Gaveau pianos are no longer produced. Despite this, they are sought after instruments both in France and abroad.

The Gaveau Paris model Soleil grand piano, serial number 79949 (produced around 1927), is made of mahogany with grain on the cabinet that recalls the sun's rays. The action is Schwander, which before Renner's arrival in Europe we can say was the reference for piano action. The trait that distinguishes this mechanic is certainly its agility: it was one of the fastest mechanics without being too light. The hammers were made in an essential way: natural felt mounted directly on a wooden core, without any underfelting. The sound is round in the bass but does not lack brilliance in the cantabile and treble, without however ever being metallic.