Steinway & Sons Model O #189582 – Louis XVI Art Case Grand Piano – Fully Restored
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. Being mid-sized pianos, they often found themselves as templates for craftsmen’s artistic expression. This instrument is an example of that extraordinary level of quality artistry.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 of 189582 indicates the manufacture year to be 1917. Crafted in a Louis XVI style cabinet, this Rococo/Neoclassical instrument embodies the sweeping, luxurious styles that were popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The cabinet features notched, square arms and offers a regal yet imposing stance. Cameo-style carvings are affixed to each side of the cabinet, transitioning into angular moldings that are a consistent theme across the instrument. The music desk features a combination of curved and angular moldings on a ‘modern’ arrow point design. The cabinet rests on impressive double legs and features a matching pedal lyre of appropriate design.
The cabinet is covered in a rich, walnut veneer. Subtly grained, it allows for the art case design of the instrument to take center stage. Upon close examination of the instrument, it becomes clear how much work went into crafting such an impressive piece. Slight variants in depth and subtle tapering of the carvings make for a visually stimulating design that you almost can’t take your eyes off of. We were quite pleased to be able to restore this instrument for a private client.
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 take any restored piano from being simply acceptable to exceptional. New keytops were installed and the original ebony sharps were restored.
The belly (interior) of the piano was fully rebuilt. This process included restoring the original Steinway Factory soundboard and installing a new custom-fitted hard maple pinblock. The 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. 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, showcasing the intricate carvings and walnut veneer. The refinished cabinet was paired with the original brass hardware. The brass casters are an interesting component, as they are wrapped in floor-saving cork.
OUR HISTORY – A LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
We were excited and honored to return this piano 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 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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