Collard & Collard Grand Piano

Discussion:

(too old to reply)

Madasafish

2004-01-17 21:37:53 UTC

Hi there,

I would like some advice about a Collard & Collard grand piano I am
considering purchasing, circa 1850.

Can you advise me how good a grand piano it is, or whether I should steer
clear of it or not.
If it's good, what sort of things should I look out for when purchasing one,
and what is a reasonable price to pay.
How does it compare with other grands?
If its not good, can you advise what are its shortfalls. Thanks.

Mike

ptooner

2004-01-17 23:05:15 UTC

Permalink

Post by Madasafish
Hi there,
I would like some advice about a Collard & Collard grand piano I am
considering purchasing, circa 1850.
Can you advise me how good a grand piano it is, or whether I should steer
clear of it or not.
If it's good, what sort of things should I look out for when purchasing one,
and what is a reasonable price to pay.
How does it compare with other grands?
If its not good, can you advise what are its shortfalls. Thanks.
Mike

I assume you are in the UK to mention that brand, and some our UK techs will
be much more familiar with it. I can tell you a few things. First, from
that era it is probably not overstrung and probably has an old fashioned
action. It most likely would not be useable for regular playing, and almost
certainly not worth restoring ($10k minimum). C&C was a reputable maker at
that time, however.

gerry

Barrie Heaton

2004-01-18 14:54:39 UTC

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Gerry has pointed out that the piano is a bit long in the tooth and not
worth spending money on eve on if the piano has been reconditioned you
are still looking at a piano with a 1850 soundboard unless the
soundbaord has been change but I doubt that very much.

As to compering with other pianos of that age they hold there own but t
is very difficult to advise on a piano of that age with out looking at
it and one would not advise buying a piano of that age as a working
piano, collectors piece just, 1850 is by UK standards not old enough to
be classed as a collectors piece which is normally pre 1840.

Barrie,

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H. Emmerson Meyers

2004-01-22 06:49:25 UTC

Permalink

While the Collard was certainly a respectable grand, I would seriously
recommend that you look into a Chickering or Erard if you like the pianos of
that era. Remember that Chickering was the preference of Louis Moreau
Gottschalk and the Erard of Paderewski!! And, of course, who could forget
the Broadwood--Beethoven's favorite!!

Yes forget about that old Collard and go for one of the other vintage
pianos. They age like fine wines!!