Monochord (Made in occupied Japan)

[Vanderhoofven]

Dear Friends,

Recently I was asked by a local music store to findo out more information,
including the age and approximate value of an unusual piano.

The piano is a small 64 note piano.
The Nameboard says------------------->  Established 1910
                                    "At sign of Big Red Piano"
                                           Monochord
                                          Los Angeles

The serial number is #13879, which according to the Pierce Piano Atlas would
list the manufacturing date of 1950.  Inside the piano in two different
places it is stamped "Made in occupied Japan".  The piano is about 42" tall,
and the case is light brown, in surprisingly good shape.  The strings and
tuning pins have light to medium rust buildup.  The soundboard and bridges
look good, but the action needs regulated and reconditioned. (Needs hammers
shaped, keybed felts, bridle straps, and let-off cloth punchings replaced).

The piano has 64 notes:  24 single wrapped bass strings (1 per unison)
                         20 treble strings  (1 per unison)
                         20 treble strings  (2 per unison)

Can anyone shed more light on this piano and it's history?  Also, what would
be an approximate market value in an as-is condition?

Thanks muchly!

David Vanderhoofven

David A. Vanderhoofven
Joplin, Missouri, USA
Associate Member, Piano Technicians Guild
e-mail:  dkvander@clandjop.com
web page:  http://www.clandjop.com/~dkvander/
#pianotech page:  http://www.clandjop.com/~dkvander/ircpiano.html