Odd Bechstein

[Nichols]

William,

    We had one come through the plant about.... uh....10-11 months ago, (I 
think) that was just "infected" with brass screws and hardware. Looked like 
something from a WWII bunker. Dealer wanted it just like he sent it, only 
refinished and some other stuff. I'll look it up Monday, but it sounds like 
it could be the same one, or a twin. Brass corners and other plate, screwed 
on, in most cases. 128 screws in the soundboard, more-or-less. Screws all 
over the rim. At first, it looked like someone's idea of a cool 
modification, but if I remember, the consensus was it was a factory 
feature. Truly unique instrument.

Happy New Year,
Guy Nichols, RPT
Ft. Stinkin' Desert, NM


At 03:57 PM 12/31/2004 -0600, you wrote:
>List,
>
>Today, while out looking around, I stopped at a store that had a refurbished
>1926 Bechstein (5 1/2' - 6').  I really did not look closely at this
>instrument, but am planning on going back and getting a few photos for the
>list.  It was something I had never before seen on anything, let alone a
>Bechstein.
>
>This piano had those lovely waterfall keytops - tacked to the keysticks.
>Two brads on the bottom of the keyfront, one at the tail?!?!?!?  Also had
>some brass hardware on the outside of the case, like at the treble end, on
>the bottom corner just behind the front leg.  Also had numerous brass wood
>screws around the perimeter of the case, top and bottom.  Most "interesting"
>were the lines of brass screws that could be seen in the soundboard as you
>look down into the piano - seemed to be along the lines that the ribs would
>follow.
>
>I have so little experience with Bechsteins, that I'm just "wondering" - is
>it possible any of this is original design, or did someone really %*&^*$
>this thing up?  I'll try and get some photos soon (I don't have a digital
>camera, so it may be a while).  Any thoughts?
>
>William R. Monroe
>Madison, WI
>Assoc.
>
>
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