David, just perused all of the photos. It seems to be in very good condition. I have done a restoration/rebuild on one very much like that one. I would not refinish it! From an aesthetic standpoint and from an historic standpoint it is not needed or warranted. It does need to restrung and have the scale evaluated and redone so that the instrument can be tuned to 440cps w/o overstressing that "strutted construction". What you didn't show, was the elaboate beaming under the piano! That sucker's pretty strong for it's day. Made after Clementi died, hence the name.<G> Not of great significance, but a beauty nonetheless. The action is a single escapement, ...er sorta, but the spung "balancier" sort of acts like a standard balancier. The action looks to be pristine! I would simply reconditon what needs to be and just touch up the regulation.<G> Now, for the second part of this: Paul said: "What a great find, David! Wow! In incredible shape, too. I wouldn't refinish it at all. I would restring it, though. It would be a great historical item to hear what Ludwig might have found in the day. Maybe he even could have played that piano!! Perhaps any number of great composers of the day might have touched it! Again, I will say WoW! I doubt that you would want to get it to an A-440 state, but whatever was the tuning pitch in the day?.maybe A-415 or so. Very cool!" Paul, The Average pitch of the time in London, was approximately 425cps. I keep seeing references to pitch standards that appear to be plucked from the friggin' air! What's that all about people? Please, do the research before jumping into that pit, in the future. (Helmhotz) I think all would appreciate it.<G> As for famous composers playing on that instrument, it's possible, but unlikely imo. Joe Back to David: It appears that the House the piano sits in is in a process of refurbishment. If that is so, ya need to convince the owner to get the piano out of there! Send it to an intelligent rebuilder that will do as I've outlined. Musically, it can georgous. Best to David and Paul <G> Joe Garrett, R.P.T. Captain of the Tool Police Squares R I
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