The restoration of an antique C-Bechstein. This piano will be completely rebuilt and brought from its currently shabby state and restored to its original state of being. We will be following through with pictures and descriptions of the work-in-progress, with the complete restoration taking from four to six months.
A Brief History of Bechstein...
Founded in Berlin in 1853, by Carl Bechstein, the Bechstein piano was originally constructed on the principle of the one piece metal frame with an overstrung scale as first introduced in Boston by Jonas Chickering. By adopting American ideas with certain modifications and German technology, the pianos produced by this company were of a very high quality and immediately became a favorite with European concert performers. The Bechstein firm became recognized as supreme in Europe and quickly became an industry leader. Establishing showrooms in London in 1879, by 1900 Bechstein was one of the leading piano makers in Europe, producing over 5,000 pianos annually.
Although nearly destroyed by the depression and two World Wars, the company was rebuilt and acquired by Baldwin in 1963. Operating as an autonomous unit within the Baldwin company, Bechstein continued its tradition of impeccable craftsmanship. In 1986, Bechstein was purchased by Karl Schulze, a leading West German retailer and master piano technician, who re-organized the company and consolidated operations into one state-of-the-art factory in Berlin. Bechstein grands and Concert series up-rights continue to be made in this factory.
Bechstein has three lines of pianos bearing its own name. The original Bechstein bear the name C. Bechstein and are known as the Concert series which includes three vertical models and five grands.
The tone of Bechstein grands can be described as classically European. With it's distinctive shape and consistently high quality sound, it is considered to be one of the world's pre-eminent pianos and remains a favorite among concert performers and all aficionados of fine pianos.
Our Subject is an 7'9" C-Bechstein concert grand, built in Berlin 1871. Moving from Germany to Southern California after World War II, it lived in obscurity for decades and looks as though a few tap-dances were performed on it's lid. Spotted in a warehouse in Los Angeles, even underneath its more than 120 year old patina and disrepair, it's grandeur was still apparent.
The first step.... Brought to Albuquerque in July 1998, the sound board will continue to dry until the cracks, now very apparent, become even more widened. Then with shims, rib tightening and re-crowning the soundboard will be returned once again to a fine resonation.
Follow us for progress updates.