Baldwin Model SD-10 Concert Grand Piano #324435
One of the most famous names in music history, the mark of Baldwin has been affixed to some of the most coveted pianos ever manufactured. The Baldwin piano company was founded in 1857 by Dwight Hamilton Baldwin. A Cincinnati, Ohio-based piano, organ, and violin teacher he transitioned towards selling pianos. After initial success in sales, he eventually began the manufacturing of instruments. The D. H. Baldwin company introduced its first upright piano in 1891 and its first grand piano for sale in 1895. The legendary SD-10 Concert Grand Piano became the preferred choice of numerous concert artists and piano aficionados. During Baldwin’s heyday, they were only second to Steinway when it came to the length of their affiliated artist rolls. The Thursday Music Club of Zanesville, OH needed to return their Baldwin Concert Grand to a concert performance level. That is when they contacted the team here at Chupp’s Piano Service.The piano’s serial number of #324435 indicated a manufacture date in the early to mid-1990s. The piano was found to be in overall good structural condition, however, it was not performing to the level expected of an SD-10. The Thursday Music Club consulted with the Chupp’s Pianos team and after a consultation, they requested a restoration. The piano features a traditional American-style cabinet with squared arms and a minimalist case design. The uniquely large music desk and the brass ferrule capped legs with massive concert-style casters help reinforce the instrument’s imposing stance. The finish is in classic concert ebony with contrasting yellow brass hardware.
The instrument’s restoration was undertaken with its performance as a musical instrument at the forefront. The piano’s action was rebuilt. New hammers, shanks, and flanges were installed onto the action stack. The keyset was weighed-off for the proper down and up weight. Expert action and tone regulation were conducted to ensure the finest response and full, concert-level quality of tone. We spend many extra hours in this process to ensure that the piano does not just look like a fine instrument, but performs like one as well. These minute and exacting adjustments are what take any restored piano from being simply acceptable to exceptional. Upon completion, the instrument features a roaring, deep bass section with a clear, singing treble that supports the artistry of the highest level of pianists.
Video: I’m Crazy ‘Bout My Baby | Baldwin SD-10 Concert Grand Piano
The belly (interior) of the piano was fully rebuilt. This process included the installation of a new solid spruce soundboard and a new custom-fitted hard maple pinblock. The nickel-plated bolts and screws were carefully cleaned and polished to a brilliant shine. New Klinke blued tuning pins were installed along with the highest quality music wire and custom-manufactured soft copper wound bass strings. New damper felts were affixed and adjusted to refinished damper heads. The piano’s cabinet was expertly refinished in a closed pore, hand-rubbed satin finish. This allows for optimum finish clarity and a factory-new result. The brass hardware was polished and restored to a beautiful satin luster.
Upon completion, this concert instrument was returned to its home at the Thursday Music Club by a professional piano moving team.
THE CHUPP’S PIANOS STORY– A LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
We were excited and honored to secure this instrument and return it to its rightful, performance-ready status!
For over four decades, Chupp’s Piano Service, Inc. has been specializing in the rebuilding of the world’s finest pianos. With a focus on world-class piano restorations, our work has become the preferred choice of concert venues, professional musicians, and universities across the country. Located in the heart of Northern Indiana, we are proud to carry on the old-school tradition of high-caliber craftsmanship. Our rebuilding facility and showroom features premium restored Steinway, new Kawai, and select pre-owned Yamaha pianos. When completed properly a rebuilt piano truly becomes, art you can feel! For more about our extensive restoration process, click here.
Chupp’s Piano Service & Restoration | Vintage Steinway & Sons | Restored Baldwin | Fine Piano Restoration & Sales since 1975
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