Steinway & Sons Model O #182044 – Brazilian Rosewood Fully Restored, One-of-a-Kind Grand Piano
Measuring a hair under six feet in length, the Steinway & Sons Model O is a common and welcome sight in homes and institutions around the world. In production consistently in both the New York and Hamburg Steinway Factories, this model of piano has cemented itself as a workhorse for both amateur and professional use. This particular piano takes that reputation just a bit further.Manufactured at the New York Steinway & Sons Factory, this beautiful Model O Grand Piano is a unique and rare instrument. (The piano’s serial number indicates a date of 1916, Steinway records show a completion date of March 2nd, 1917.) Built in a ‘modern’ Sketch 380 Sheraton style case design, this piano features square arms and an arrow point music desk. Standing on octagonal spade style legs, this piano is virtually identical to ones built today. This piano was completed on March 2nd, 1917 and was immediately shipped to the famous Lyon & Healy company of Chicago, Illinois. What makes this instrument a rarity is the wood that was utilized. The piano is covered with a rich veneer of exotic Brazilian Rosewood.
Once common, rosewood quickly grew in rarity and by the time this piano was built, was almost never utilized on new instruments. (Steinway now utilizes ‘Indian’ Rosewood, not Brazilian Rosewood.) The amount of this rare veneer that went into the crafting of this piano is almost unimaginable! According to conversations and documents from Steinway & Sons in New York, this Model O appears to have been a one-off, special factory order. The combination of the Sketch 380 Sheraton cabinet and the figured rosewood veneer creates a wonderful blend of the new and old.
The piano’s action is where almost every moving part of the instrument is located. New hammers, shanks, and flanges along with new wippens (repetitions) were installed in the action. 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 takes any restored piano from being simply acceptable to exceptional. The piano’s keyboard included the original ivory keytops which were fully restored to their like-new color and sheen.
The belly (interior) of the piano was fully rebuilt. This process included the installation of a new solid spruce soundboard along with a new custom fitted hard maple pinblock. A period-appropriate soundboard decal was affixed to the new soundboard. The massive cast iron plate was re-bronzed and the raised text was hand-lettered. New Klinke blued tuning pins were installed along with the highest quality music wire and custom manufactured soft copper wound bass strings. A new Renner back action was installed and new damper felts were affixed and adjusted to refinished damper heads.
The piano was refinished in a hand rubbed lacquer. This allows for optimum finish clarity and a beautiful final result. The cut of rosewood that was originally utilized on this instrument is beautifully figured and absolutely breathtaking. The deep grain is run vertically along the sides of the cabinet which was rarely done at the Steinway factory. The refinished cabinet was paired with brilliant nickel hardware. This piano is a true crown jewel!
OUR HISTORY – A LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
We were excited and honored to return this piano to its rightful, performance-ready status. Steinway & Sons Model O #182044 found a new home in Los Angeles, California.
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 Steinway & Sons 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 Art Case Steinway Grand Pianos | Fine Piano Restoration & Sales since 1975
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