--- Clair Dunn <cadunn@vt2000.com> wrote: > Joe- > Just about 2 months ago I tuned my first "birdcage > piano". It did take > longer to tune, but I thought it was exciting to see > and to work on. > > I've read about them, but never thought I'd see one. > So, I for one, liked > the experience. I didn't charge any more though. > > BUT -- I assume that the system was a precursor to > the current system. But, > I don't know why it was done that way unless there > was something to be > gained by damping on the short side of the strike > point. > > Can you tell me why?? And, it was a Boyd (London) -- > anybody know anything > about them? > > Thanks, > Clair > > In the birdcage era every home had a piano - it was absolutely essential. Therefore cheap ones had to be made for poorer people. Boyd were considered a fairly good (middle of the road) make. Solid and reliable. Tonally nothing special but a good, servicable instrument. If you enjoy tuning birdcage pianos please come to London - we still seem to have a lot of these left! Maybe it's just that our climate is conducive to pianos lasting longer! I always use Papps wedges to mute these (do you have these in USA?) It is best to remove the soft pedal celeste felt before tuning so as not to impede the insertion of the wedges. Bob Wilson London __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Check out Yahoo! Shopping and Yahoo! Auctions for all of your unique holiday gifts! Buy at http://shopping.yahoo.com or bid at http://auctions.yahoo.com
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