The Piano Advisory has again been asked to feature and assist in the sale of a most desirable musical instrument
this one designed and constructed by a famous maker the esteemed Carl Bechstein of Berlin, Germany.
Made in an auspicious year, it was a significant period during which this proud maker might revel in his company's successes, having presented similar models to Royalty.
From 1881 Bechstein supplied pianos to Queen Victoria; Several more went to Windsor Castle and other royal residences.
Carl Bechstein died in the year 1900; Under the management of his sons the company continued to dominate the market.
It now held a Royal Warrant as supplier to the Queen. Overseas several British embassies acquired Bechstein pianos.
Having opened a branch in London, Bechstein eventually grew to become the largest showroom and dealership in Europe.
Another milestone reached in 1901 was the building of Bechstein Hall alongside the company's showroom which remained the largest piano dealership in London until 1914. During this time Bechstein was also patronised by the Russian tsars, Spanish, Dutch, Belgian, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian, Austrian and Danish royal families, together with large numbers of the aristocracy.
The #59785 serial number indicates that this instrument was made in 1901 during which time Bechstein's piano business was at a manufacturing peak. More than 1000 technicians and craftsmen in their employ were serving a huge demand for instruments produced by the now world famous piano maker.
Whilst this particular grand piano's history is unknown, it was fully restored in Melbourne in 1991 when purchased by the present owner from one of Australia's most highly regarded piano restoration identities: a living legend -
the indefatigible Piano expert Mick Brizga, whose premises in Clifton Hill have seen the rebirth of many fine pianos.
Operating there since the late 1940's, Mr Brizga has long provided members of the Piano Tuning fraternity with tools of the trade.
It's here we bought our replacement parts and spares, where we obtain the strings and springs, the keytops and the hammer felts for the instruments that we service.
Mick celebrated his 100th birthday in April 2011 and according to recent newspaper reports - he still dabbles part time !
Piano restorer Mick resuscitated a variety of instruments, giving the Brizga kiss of life to many pianos which others might pronounce dead. I was always fascinated by the quality of his work and the lovely results Mick obtained.
No shortage of buyers either...
The little Clifton Hill shop turned over lots of pianos.
Hiss high standards, like Mick himself - were legendary.
And this fine "ex Brizga" example, the 170 cm 1901 Grand Piano is no exception...
I went along to examine the restored Bechstein, expecting to find some defects.
Seldom played in recent times, I doubted her piano could be presented for sale "as is", politely insisting to the owner that I really should do a piano tuning before offering it for sale.
Pleasant surprise for me however.
I commented on how well it was holding tune.
The owner responded with: "Well, Mr Brizga DID tell me : 'MY pianos don't GO out of tune'!"
Seems he was right about that!
Checking the tuning system it's readily apparent that Mick completely replaced the tuning pins - close inspection (see photos) reveals blue steel tuning pins, new strings and hammers, new dampers and below the elegant steel frame, it's a completely renewed action. This was indeed a comprehensive rebuild of a fine old piano, the piano action subsequently regulated in the customer's home, by another respected piano technician.
For this service Mr Brizga engaged Melbourne's well known Mr Robert Ruggeri... named also in a 2004 announcement on the Royal South Street Society's grand piano at Her Majesty's Theatre; a Bechstein formerly owned by Dame Nellie Melba $40,000 facelift.
Rest assured... the 170 cm model Bechstein was a top notch grand piano and you'll be getting a very rare, very special instrument made originally by one of the best in the business and later restored by one of the best in the business!
So many modern day pianos are obviously production line instruments. Robots can virtually complete the operation. In fact, turning the clock back to 1986, I can remember one facility in Japan churning out a Thousand pianos every day !
That's an Impressive figure, yes? Or is it ...
In 1900 - 1901ith 1100 employees working flat out, Bechstein managed to supply 3700 virtually hand made pianos. Such instruments are able to be restored, for their musical integrity doesn't diminish with age. Their design, choice of materials, expert craftsmanship and body strength means they can long outlive the pianos more cheaply made in modern times.
UPDATE SUNDAY 29th JANUARY 2012
PIANO SOLD INTERSTATE(payment pending) unsighted by purchaser... if you would like to have next option in case transaction is not concluded PLEASE CALL 03 9783 6439.
Recent pricing for current models puts Bechstein among the most expensive pianos you can buy. In 1991 this expertly reconditioned instrument cost her $20000 when acquired from Mr B and the owner is well aware that for such an undertaking these days, one might expect the cost to have doubled(?)
Beautifully restored, this one will truly satisfy the discerning player.
For private sale at Blackburn in Melbourne, its owner seeks expressions of interest from serious musicians contemplating the purchase of a superior instrument. At $19950 or near offer, you'll find few to compare; Such Bechsteins as this one are seldom available, rarely even seen... and of course, you won't find any modern day equivalent much under $80000 in piano showrooms.
Yes, the owner anticipated a reasonable return on her investment.
Truth is however, the piano must be sold as soon as possible.
Relocating permanently overseas in a few short weeks, she is well aware that time is a major factor and a quick sale is vital.
Do bear that in mind if you are drawn to the instrument described herein.
In order to avoid any need to place it in storage, the piano MUST be sold & delivered by mid February.
Few such facilities are kind to pianos; Storage is never welcome news for lovely instruments like this one ...
Can you take advantage of such circumstances?
Contact me for further details and I will assist in any way possible to help negotiate a satisfactory outcome for you.
to obtain more detailed information about Bechstein Pianos...To read some reviews, see opinions by piano experts and talk with a Bechstein owner...
simply contact OzPianoman 03 9783 6439
Information regarding the Bechstein Corp history summarises certain details available online at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._Bechstein_Pianofortefabrik