SOHMER SQUARE GRAND PIANO - RESTORED 2007 - WARRANTY
FREE DELIVERY TO USA LOWER 48 STATES- WITH BUY IT NOW
| Start Price |
USD 9,000.00 |
| Current Price |
USD 9,000.00 |
| Time Left |
- |
| Bid Count |
0 |
| Buy It Now Price |
- |
| Reserve Price |
- |
| Start Time |
Tuesday, July 01, 2008 |
| End Time |
Tuesday, July 08, 2008 |
| Location |
Elkhart, IN |
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See more about 'SOHMER SQUARE GRAND PIANO - RESTORED 2007 - WARRANTY'
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Description
(1) Front view/ left side angle. (2) Full frontal view. (3) Right side with lid in 'down ' position. (4) Backside view with lid raised. (5) Full frontal view with lid closed. (pedal lyre was not attached in this pix.) (6) View: restored instrumental. Showing new strings, etc. (7) View: keyboard, music rack, front edge scalloping. (8) View: new tuning pins, strings. (9) View: close-up of leg carvings. (`10) View: left side close-up: showing patterns of the rosewood grain, and scalloping. SEE AND HEAR A LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO OF THIS SOHMER SQUARE GRAND PIANO shown for sale in this listing...just click on the link below if possible or copy and paste this address into your browser window: http://www.vintagegrandpianos.com/sohmerclip3.WMV SOHMER SQ. GRAND PIANO, CIRCA 1874, ROSEWOOD VICTORIAN/ LOUIS XV STYLE ART CASE. 85 NOTES. REFINISHED IN SEMI-GLOSS SHEEN, INSTRUMENTAL RESTORATION COMPLETED IN 2007. WARRANTY: 5 YEAR LTD. This exquisite Sohmer square grand piano is being offered by Vintagegrandpianos.com ...here on Ebay -as a promotion for the sale and restoration of vintage pianos. The piano on this listing has a fair market retail value of 25K. We have been restoring vintage squares and other grands for over 30 years. The unique Louis XV styling of this SOHMER, the most exotic of all the Sohmer square grand models, the 85 note "Louis" -will fit in any decor, and will not command alot of space, relative to larger grands. We have refinished it in a satin level sheen to the finish, for the warm, resonant glow effect. The rosewood grain patterns produce an artful visual delight. The piano plays with a light 'keyboard touch'. This Sohmer's sound is best described as very full and rich tones in the bass section, very clear and resonant tones in the tenor (middle) sections, and clear and lighter tones in the treble. In contrast to the modern, s-shaped three-leg- grands, which are designed to produce a more brassy tone, this Sohmer grand will produce a more mellow tone throughout it's scale, a more truly 'naturally acoustical' tone quality which is more 'in synch' with the pianos from the classical era, an era which glorified this 'classical sound'- an era which produced music from Mozart, Chopin, Liszt, Beethoven, and Bach. Please click on the link above to hear this Sohmer square in digital stereo. Althought the recording is fairly good, the actual sound of the piano in person live is even more astounding - with it's very full bass accompanied by the bright and lively mid-octave trebles. The Sohmer paino company, originally located in New York City, is now owned by the Samick Music Corporation -who continues to produce various models of pianos, including consoles and grands, but does not, of course, produce Squares! The cost of producing a square grand in today's world would be astronomical, due to the tremendous amount of hand-work required - including the carving. RESTORATION: CONDITION OF PIANO: SUPERB -The piano's major structural components are: (1)case and mainframe- the piano's complete wooden case which includes a wood-beamed frame containing the tuning pin block (2) cast iron harp, (3) soundboard, (4) playing mechanism (also called 'the action')- (5) tuning pins block, bridges- (6) damper system- composed of pedal lyre, linkage, levers, etc. All of the piano's major components are in excellent condition. During restoration, minor parts such as strings and tuning pins, various felts, etc., are replaced. Note: replacing these minor or 'temporal' parts greatly increases the performance and value of this instrument. (1) Case and mainframe: Rosewood case surrounds a strong wood beamed structure. Rare Brazilian Rosewood was used to make the exterior of this piano. Constructed in a combination of Victorian/Louis XV style, the piano has the rare carved legs -stoic in design.The piano has an 'art case' -which means that it has carving on the case- as the scalloping on this piano's front and side areas. The aesthetic quality of this rosewood is unsurpassed, and makes this piano a valuable work of art. There are only minor stress marks in the wood, and these do not detract from the overall appearance of the piano, as you can see in the pix. The rosewood exterior wood has been refinished, hand-rubbed with each of many coats rubbed down between successive coats. This 'old world method' is the best way to build the thickness of the finish necessary to achieve the deep lustre of this piano's finish patina-just look! This Sohmer frame design has perfectly maintained it's structural integrity for over 125 years and shows no signs of depreciation or degeneration - similar to a well-constructed nineteenth century home which has endured and will probably outlast homes built in this in this century. (2) Cast iron harp: The harp serves as the 'pillar of strength' which holds the tension for all the piano's strings. This harp is a foundry casting; it is a 'full harp' which encompasses the entire tuning pin area. The cross-strung 'full harp' is the strongest harp ever to be installed in square grand pianos. This harp has been constructed with numerous 'sound reverberation holes'..which allow the sound produced by the soundboard to escape and bounce around between the harp and the board...producing a warm resonance. Hand-painted on the cast iron harp are several small individual art-noveau floral abstracts. The cross-strung full harp was used in only a portion of square grands. It's name is derived from the string scale design where the bass strings 'cross- over' the treble strings and bridges. The basic 'cross-strung harp' design was so effective in structural integrity and sound production that it remains used in all most grand pianos to this day. (3) Soundboard: Constructed of solid Sitka Spruce- this vintage, type/quality used in only the world's finest instruments, the soundboards are hand-picked for grain configuration. The sound is created in large part..by the clarity of these outstanding producers of clear pure warm resonant tone...the sitka spruce soundboard. The soundboard is in perfect condition, with no separations, and the rib structure is tight to the main board in all sections. (4) Keyboard action-playing mechanism: The original wooden keys of this piano are in excellent condition. The keys are topped with a replacement material which is used by many piano companies of today. To ensure proper play, this keyboard playing mechanism has been originally built/ equippped with adjustment options for regulating various movements of the hundreds of moving parts. Proper adjustments have been made to ensure ease of playability. Original felt hammers produce resonant tones, and are in incredible condition, evidence of the piano having had very limited cumulative usage over it's centurion life span. (5) Tuning pin block, strings, bridges: The tuning pin block, which has been fitted with all new tuning pins, is in excellent condition.The old strings have been replaced -to restore the piano's resonance and proper tunability. Both bass bridges and the treble bridge are in excellent condition and continue to perform their structural purpose of supporting the strings and transmitting sound to the soundboard. (6) Damper system: pedal lyre, linkages, and top damper assembly comprise the damper system... all have been adjusted to proper regulations, and are in excellent condition. THE SQUARE PIANO AS AN INVESTMENT: Having restored many square pianos over the last 4 decades, I have been very aware of the market value of these instruments 'as time goes by.' During the past five-ten year period, the value of a ( recently) fully-restored 'Square Grand Piano' in today's marketplace has risen from approx. 10-15K- to 25-40K and more.. in 2008, depending on the model. The term fully restored includes complete instrumental restoration and complete refinishing. Equally important is the fact that these vintage squares-especially the 'art cases' like this Sohmer- -in the fully restored condition- are 'very much in demand' -particularly from the following groups of the piano buying public: classical-music lovers, acoustic music afficionados (the square grand produces a more truly 'acoustical' sound than any other piano), and professional musicians who either purchase a square for their home, or purchase a square grand for performances on tour. Another growing distinctly emerging 'buyer group' is comprised of the gifted and/or aspiring musical family who resides in a larger Victorian style home - where a square grand is the missing piece which -when in place- gives life to that once empty parlor. . It is important to note that: it is the complete restoration which gives the pianos their value. This segment of the piano market- the highest quality vintage pianos- including Sohmer, Steinway, Knabe, and others- is the fastest appreciating segment of the piano industry today. Attributing the recent popularity of the square grand in part-to their stunning beauty, 'classical-like' warm resonant tone, and extreme rarity, I strongly feel that the Square Grand will continue to rapidly increase in value during the next several decades and beyond. Why this Sohmer square grand piano is an excellent investment: (1) Purchasing this piano will result in the purchase of an very rare vintage Sohmer instrument at thousands below retail market value. The new owner will purchase the piano at the special price listed, and receive this Sohmer piano delivered restored with an estimated market value of 25K. To verify this, just check out a few other sources/sellers for the 'restored square grand piano' market. (2) The piano's incredibly fine condition, including rosewood cabinetry, with scalloped front and sides, a deluxe feature of Victorian and Louis XV styling, with hand-scrolled music desk and hand-hewn legs and pedal lyre, tonal beauty, etc. will cause it's value to rise over the years. When the bidder opts for purchase with the 'Buy It Now' price, the buyer will elect to receive the Sohmer piano -delivered and set-up -if located within any USA mainland 48 state zip code...with FIVE YEAR LTD.WARRANTY included. The market value of the delivered Sohmer piano is estimated to be 25K. At a purchase price of thousands less - one can readily 'see the value' here. ABOUT SQUARE GRAND PIANOS: HISTORY AND NEW PRESENT-DAY INTEREST: The Square Grand Piano has come full circle in it's journey through History..the square...once very popular in both musical and cultural circles..is regaining it's respect after a long decline in use. The square piano originated in Europe as an evolutionary step from the harpsichord - which had the same basic case shape - to the first pianofortes - the world's first generation of pianos which were of Viennese origins. The Viennese pianos had a rectangular case shape and had four legs, like the harpsichord - but contained a playing mechanism with 'hammers' which struck the piano's strings instead of using the harpsichord's method of 'plucking' them. This important change in design resulted in a much more melodic and less metallic tone produced from felt hammers striking the strings. The pianoforte- the first piano prototype- was 'born'. When European piano makers came to America in the 19th century, they began making various pianos, including a new hybrid - the Square Grand. Since many of the 'newfound American' piano makers were German, many Viennese and German piano-making designs were incorporated into the 'new square grand.' It had improvements such as an iron plate, stronger keys, larger and sturdier frame, and longer strings for a bigger, more deep and more resonant sound. These pianos were very popular during their period of manufacture and were often designed with a beautiful combination of Viennese and Victorian influences in their 'highly-carved cabinetry.' Classical pianists performed concerts with these 'new square grands.' Artists purchased them for their parlors and they became status symbols for the 'highly-cultured' as well. Squares lived their grandest era until after the turn of the century -1900. Three-legged grands and upright pianos had begun to replace the square as louder, more brassy sounding pianos became the status quo. Also, the 'newer grands' had actions with faster repeating notes and larger thicker iron plates capable of producing louder and different sounds from strings stretched to a much higher tension. Concert halls boomed with powerful concert grands, as these pianos could play to larger concert hall venues. For nearly 100 years the modern grand - as we call it- has retained it's throne in both musical performance and design. However, as the 1980's decade proceeded, there was a revival of 'early classical' music, and a renewed interest in the instruments which were played during the 1800's. Musicians began touring with their hand-made reproductions of Viennese pianofortes- a close relative of the square grand piano. Universities became interested in promoting the playing of music of 'original instruments' from the classical period....hence the renewed interest in square grands began. Steinway (and other) square grands were given attention in the Smithsonian, where they resided. Square grands began emerging from stately mansions and were brought to my shop for restoration. During the 1990's, this interest spilled over into the 'musical public' - including accomplished 'classical music' enthusiasts, and avid collectors of American Art pieces. The Square Grand had regained it's respect and proper place in History as well as the present day. Even today..most people have neither seen nor heard a square grand which has been restored...but when they finally do experience the beauty of actually seeing and hearing the beauty of a Square Grand, they are usually amazed. In 2008, you would be more likely to see a square grand piano at a performance outside rather than inside the museum environment. CONSIDERING BUYING A PIANO LISTED ON EBAY? -7 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK: (Q #1) CREDIBILITY - WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE COMPANY? (A#1) WE HAVE BEEN RESTORING VINTAGE GRAND PIANOS FOR OVER 35 YEARS- WITH PIANO RESTORATIONS AND SATISFIED CLIENTS NUMBERING IN THE HUNDREDS. (Q #2) CUSTOMER RESPONSE - IS EBAY FEEDBACK POSITIVE? (A #2) OUR FEEDBACK IS 100% POSITIVE. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO READ IT. (Q #3) WARRANTY - DOES THE PIANO HAVE A WARRANTY? (A #3) YES. A FIVE YEAR LTD. WARRANTY. WHICH COVERS THE COMPLETE HARP. (Q #4) INSURED DELIVERY- WILL THE PIANO BE DELIVERED BY SKILLED PIANO MOVERS? (A #4) YES. ALL OUR CONTRACTED MOVERS ARE HIGHLY SKILLED IN SAFELY MOVING VINTAGE PIANOS, AND HAVE NEVER DAMAGED A PIANO DELIVERED FOR US. PIANOS ARE FULLY INSURED DURING DELIVERY AT ALL TIMES. (Q #5) QUALITY OF PIANO AND WORKMANSHIP - IS THIS A HIGH QUALITY PRODUCT? (A #5) YES. THIS SOHMER PIANO IS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY. WE EXCLUSIVELY SELL ONLY THE HIGHEST QUALITY PIANOS EVER MADE. OUR RESTORATION SKILLS ARE THE BEST. (Q #6) PRODUCT PRESENTATION - ARE THE PICTURES AND DESCRIPTION DETAILED AND CLEAR? (A #6) YES. OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE A COMPLETE PICTORIAL VIEW OF THE PIANO, AND GIVE THE MOST COMPLETE DESCRIPTION POSSIBLE WITHIN THE EBAY LISTING FORMAT. (WE RECEIVE MANY COMPLIMENTS ON OUR PRESENTATIONS FROM EBAY CLIENTS.) (Q #7) SELLER/ BUYER COMMUNICATION- WILL I RECEIVE A QUICK RESPONSE FOR MY QUESTION? (A #7) YES. YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED WITHIN A 24 HOURS OR LESS. IF THE ANSWERS TO ALL SEVEN IMOPRTANT QUESTIONS ARE 'YES', THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE A STRONG LOGICAL BASIS FOR KNOWING - CONFIDENTLY-THAT YOU ARE DEALING WITH A REPUTABLE FIRM. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ TO PLACE A BID USING 'BUY IT NOW': WITH THIS OPTION, THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF $9,000 WILL BE PAID WITHIN 7 DAYS FROM END. IF YOU HAVE DECIDED TO PLACE A BID TO PURCHASE THE PIANO WITH 'BUY IT NOW', AND HAVE NOT PURCHASED OR SOLD ON EBAY AND/OR HAVE A "0" FEEDBACK, THEN I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH YOU BEFORE YOU PLACE YOUR BID-JUST LEAVE A CONTACT NUMBER AND I WILL CALL YOU. IF YOU ARE THE WINNING BIDDER, THEN PLEASE MAKE CONTACT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE AUCTION'S END. I WILL NEED YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION ENDS. TO PLACE A 'BEST OFFER' BID: YOU MAY PLACE YOUR 'BEST OFFER' TO PURCHASE THIS PIANO AT A PRICE LESS THAN $9,000. ONLY REASONABLE OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED. REASONABLE OFFERS REQUESTING FREE SHIPPING WILL BE CONSIDERED. PLEASE EMAIL ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS. SHIPPING: IF YOU PURCHASE THE PIANO WITH 'BUY IT NOW', THEN WE WILL PROVIDE FREE DELIVERY/SET-UP TO ANY MAINLAND USA ZIP CODE LOCATION. IF YOU PURCHASE THE PIANO WITH A 'BEST OFFER BID, THEN SHIPPING WILL BE PROVIDED ONLY IF SPECIFIED AS PART OF YOUR 'BEST OFFER' BID, AND AGREED TO. OTHERWISE, THE BUYER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL SHIPPING COSTS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE US ARRANGE FOR SHIPPING, THEN WE CAN DO THAT...JUST CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE. ALL SHIPPING COSTS WILL BE PAID BEFORE THE PIANO IS SHIPPED. NOTE: (WE CANNOT ARRANGE FOR FOREIGN SHIPMENT, AND WE WILL NOT ACCEPT FUNDS FOR FOREIGN SHIPMENT.) SHIPPING IS PROVIDED EXCLUSIVELY BY FULLY INSURED MOVERS-VARIOUS CARRIERS-EXPERIENCED IN MOVING GRAND PIANOS. THE MOVERS I CONTRACT HAVE NEVER DAMAGED A PIANO FOR MY CLIENTS OR FOR US. DELIVERY INCLUDES SET-UP, OF COURSE. BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDLINES: (1) IF YOU ARE A NEW MEMBER, THEN I WILL BE GLAD TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THE BIDDING /PURCHASING PROCESS. NEW MEMBERS AND/OR MEMBERS WITH FEEDBACK BELOW '5' PLEASE LEAVE A CONTACT NUMBER BEFORE PLACING A BID, AND I WILL CALL YOU. (2) WE STRONGLY REQUEST AND DEMAND THAT A BID NOT BE PLACED BY A BIDDER WHO WILL NOT MEET THE PAYMENT TERMS OUTLINED IN THE TEXT BELOW. (3) WE WILL NOT RESPOND TO REQUESTS FOR FOREIGN SHIPMENT AND/OR ANY DEALS 'OUTSIDE OF EBAY' OR OUTSIDE THE EXACT PERAMETERS OF THIS AUCTION FORMAT. WE CANNOT ACCEPT ANY EXCESS FUNDS EXCEPT FOR THOSE WHICH WILL PAY FOR THE PIANO AND IT'S SHIPPING TO A ZIP CODE WITHIN THE UNITED STATES LOWER 48. (4) WE WILL ONLY RESPOND TO EMAILS WHICH ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THIS EBAY ITEM. IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT A PIANO WHICH YOU ARE CONSIDERING HAVING RESTORED..OR A QUESTION ABOUT A PIANO YOU ARE CONSIDERING SELLING, THEN PLEASE LOGON TO www.vintagegrandpianos.com AND CLICK ON THE 'CONTACT US' BUTTON -EMAIL LINK. (5) IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ITEM - ALWAYS ASK THEM BEFORE PLACING A BID. PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS: (1) PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTED:CASHIER;S CHECK OR MONEY ORDER DRAWN FROM US BANK. PAYPAL: SEE BELOW: (2) PAYMENT IN FULL INCLUDING SHIPPING COSTS IF APPLICABLE MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER AUCTION'S END. (3) PAYMENT BY PAYPAL MUST BE MADE WITHIN 7 DAYS, AFTER AUCTION'S END. PLEASE NOTE THAT 'SENDING AMOUNT RESTRICTIONS' MAY APPLY TO SOME PAYPAL ACCOUNTS WHICH WOULD NOT ALLOW THE PAYMENT BY THIS METHOD. YOU MAY WANT TO CONTACT PAYPAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO PAY WITH PAYPAL TO VERIFY THAT THE ACCOUNT USED TO PAY IS APPROVED TO SEND THIS ITEM'S AMOUNT. IN THE EVENT THAT YOU CHOOSE TO USE PAYPAL AND YOUR ACCOUNT HAS A SENDING AMOUNT RESTRICTION. YOU MAY ELECT TO PAY IN MULTIPLE TRANSACTIONS WITHIN THE REQUESTED TIME PERIOD OF 7 DAYS. .http://www.vintagegrandpianos.com Please use "Contact Us" from our homepage if you have any questions about this Sohmer piano-or use "Ask Seller A Question" in this listing. PEACE. LOVE. HAPPINESS.
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