war-time piano manufacturing, was German piano history

[Frank Emerson]

Now that brings back memories!  I bought, rebuilt, and sold one of those GI S&S uprights.  Not knowing its history, I was quite surprised to discover that the original finish, under layers of black and white paint, was Olive-Drab Green!  While intended to support the troops on foreign soil, at least one of them ended up in Alaska, where I bought it, which is not surprising, really, since the defense of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands was significant to the US homeland defense.

During WWII, as with other wars, factories that otherwise would be manufacturing "luxury" products, were converted to make products in support of the war.  Baldwin's multi-laminate pinblock was original developed for making propellers for aircraft.  Other piano manufacturers converted to making coffins for the casualties of war.

Frank Emerson


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Luc CALANDE 
To: Pianotech List
Sent: 5/12/2007 10:01:08 AM 
Subject: Re: German piano history


It can perhaps give you inspiration.  Traduction by google.

http://www.memorial-caen.fr/fr/collections/accueil.php?acq=11

History In order to ensure comfort and relaxation its soldiers, the American army places order to the Steinway firm of 4.000 upright pianos which are then sent on the European and Asian faces. Unloaded at the same time as the GI' S, they are used in the quarterings installed with the back of the face and follow the progression of the troops. After having been interdict during 4 years by the Vichy government and the occupant, the American jazz, that the French had discovered during in the years 1930, returns in force. In the ballrooms, the cellars of Montmartre and the bars of Saint-Germain, the jazz bands make to swinguer crowd by taking again the airs of Minor Swing, Django Reinhardt, Chattanooga Choo Choo and of Glenn Miller. Many of these pianos are then destroyed during the post-war period. Manufactured in New York in 1942, this Victory Piano was used at the air base of Evreux, then American. With their departure in 1948, it is recovered and runs then peaceful days in the warehouse of a store of music where a professional musician discovers it, repurchases it and undertakes its restoration. Acquired in 2002 by the Memorial of Caen, given to nine and repaints in its color of origin thanks to, Basse-Normandie area and the town State grants of Caen. 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: bappjf 
To: pianotech at ptg.org 
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 4:12 AM
Subject: [Norton AntiSpam] German piano history


Hello:

I am hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction. I am doing some research for a novel I am thinking of writing.

I seem to recall reading (a long time ago) about a piano built in Germany during the Nazi occupation. It had a secret compartment used to pass along secret documents, etc. Can anyone tell me if this actually occurred and if so what make and model it might be -- or where I should look for further information?

Any help you can give would be appreciated -- and of course, noted in an acknowledgement page in the book.

Have a great day!

Bobbie 






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