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Historic "Unobtanium" Rare 7'2" Steinway "Clipped" Model D Grand Piano - $89,995 (Austin)
condition:
like new
make / manufacturer:
Steinway
model name / number:
Model D "Centenial"
size / dimensions:
7'2"
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Serious Inquires/Offers ONLY!!
Limited Edition, "One of a Kind"! It is truly the "Stradivarius" of piano sound design & engineering!
This piano is one of only a handful of pianos (No.108 of 424) built by Steinway & Sons in New York City for the United States Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 (1 of 6 known left in existence).
It was originally an 8 ft. 6-in. piano (slightly smaller than the iconic Model D). In the 1880s, Steinway brought some of the pianos back to the factory and cut them down to a length of 7 ft. 2-in which is why it is called a clipped piano.
It also has 88 keys, which was not standard until the 1880s.
*We have a "Letter of Provenance" from Steinway & Sons that tells who the purchaser was when the piano was new and the name of the owner who allowed the piano to be cut down at the factory. It is likely not possible to know how many people owned this piano before we acquired it, but it was in remarkably good condition for a piano of over 140 years of age.
Truly "Better Than New!"
Now truly sustainable into the next several generations, due to the modern upgrades... think "Stradivarius!"
This piano has been fully restored including a completely new piano action and a new damper system.
The pinblock was also replaced during restringing.
The finish is a 24-coat black lacquer, hand-rubbed to a traditional satin ebony, and has freshly nickel-plated hardware.
It sounds and plays like a dream. It has a powerful bass and an incredibly long "sustain" in the 2nd octave above Middle C.
"True Value" is nearly "priceless" but our asking price is less than the price of a new Model O and much less than a new Model B, which is a few inches smaller than our very unique Steinway jewel. We encourage all interested parties to come inspect and play this beautiful instrument.
It has already been "play tested" in public Concert performances that received rave reviews!
To celebrate the USA’s centennial anniversary, Steinway & Sons crafted a unique piano that was displayed during the United States Centennial International Exposition of 1876 in Philadelphia.
This historical instrument (No.108 of 424) “Centennial” Concert Grand Piano was produced in Steinway & Sons’ New York factory, and is one of the few remaining.
Built in 1876, this No.108 started out as an 8-ft.,6-in. Style 5 grand piano in a natural Rosewood finish, and was delivered in 1878.
About 20 years later, the piano was reacquired by Steinway to be “clipped” and “ebonized” at their factory, as detailed in a note from Steinway’s Technical Service Administrator. The case was trimmed down to its current 7-foot, 2-inch length and the exterior was modernized to a spade leg design with a satin ebony finish. Clipping Steinway pianos was not an unusual practice at the time — done by the company itself and other rebuilders, perhaps to meet a preferred aesthetic of the period.
Not only has the case been restored, but the piano’s inner workings also have been rebuilt at "Plum Piano Restoration" to re-create a magnificent instrument that sounds and plays as beautiful as it looks.
The traditional-style case was refinished in a built-up (24 coats) ebony lacquer, then hand-rubbed to a satin finish.
Hardware is re-plated in polished nickel.
It has a full 7 ¼ octave (88 note) keyboard and 3-pedal lyre (with full function sostenuto).
The piano’s other unique details include:
> a 17-note bass section utilizing an intermediate tenor bridge.
> a Newly refinished full "cupola" plate with raised beading around the cooling holes and along the edge.
> a New modern Steinway 3-rail tubular action stack.
> a New modern replacement damper underlever system.
> a New replacement pinblock was fitted during belly restoration,
> Complete Action rebuilding with All new action parts and "concert-level action regulation"...
> Final "Regulations" Include individual key and hammer "weigh-off" (up & down weight) using "Stanwood SNAP" protocols!
The end result is an instrument that — in addition to its visual appeal — produces a powerful bass, with extended sustain in the fifth and sixth octaves, and a superior level of control and evenness throughout the keyboard.
FYI: This "extended sustain" quality is truly "phenomenal"! It is a most desirable sound feature of all high quality pianos, as it demonstrates the efficiency of sound production & resonance.
This Centennial piano will function well in either a home, studio, or concert performance space.
The piano is available for inspection at Plum Piano Restoration's Show Room in La Grange, Texas. Please contact for appointment.
Manufacturer: Steinway & Sons
Model: Centennial (USA 1776-1876)
Serial #: 35866
Year: 1876
Length: 7'2"
Finish: Satin
Color/Wood: Ebony
City/State: La Grange, Texas
(Compare to: Bösendorfer, Yamaha, Baldwin, Mason & Hamlin, Kawai KG/RX/GX, Chickering)
Compare New MSRP @ $120,000 ... "Limited Edition" Newly Restored with modern updates.
Asking Price: $89,995
What you want, What you need!
Incredibly Sweet & Incomparable "Classic American Sound"! Patented Designs, Made in the USA!
Huge “sustain” with a rich resonant "bass" and "singing" treble & mid-range. So sweet you can "taste" it!
Must see, Must hear, Must play to really appreciate!
Unique, and Concert Tested with Rave reviews!
Recently Tuned, Serviced, Inspected & Verified. Quite Excellent pitch stability.
"VERIFIED" by "Christian Brothers" Piano Tuning and Repair (www.TuningArtist.com).
NOTE: Serious Inquires ONLY!! Please call, or text, for best response (email will be slower)!
My Business Philosophy:
Always do right, this will gratify some people and astonish the rest. -Mark Twain
It's not more than you need, just more than you are accustomed to receiving! -Christian Brothers Piano
(NEW) Christian Brothers Piano Video Presentation...
https://youtu.be/oLDp6o_AuRc
Rave Reviews...
4. Well, I hate to keep telling you about how great the Steinway is now. We raised the top a bit, and wow, it is perfect! I have to force myself to get up from practicing...! I have been playing things that I had forgotten about. It is like getting reacquainted with old friends. No wonder I didn't ever want to play the Steinway! It had been like a freight train! Now it is more like 15 years ago when it was new. What a gift you have for the work that you do. Thank you so much for all the time you spent today getting the piano in such good shape. I really appreciate you and the care and concern that you have to make things right. Thank you so much.
Judy B. (Julliard Grad.-Piano Teacher/Instructor)
5. Subject: Miracle on Lakeview Blvd.
From: VH
Dear Michael, Thank you!!! I am hearing tones and nuances I have never heard on this Young Chang grand and the key action is dreamy... I don't want to quit playing......many thanks for your meticulous work. Vicki H.
6. Rave Review for Piano "Concert Prep & Tuning" during the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival... "the piano really did sound great at the house concert. The artist, Jim Boggia, stayed late after the crowd went home, just to play the piano...
he complimented the action, the pitch, and the tuning. His manager/agent was impatient to leave but Jim said he was having too much fun with the piano. "Steve Stubbs" made a professional quality recording of the concert and the piano sounded wonderful."
FYI: Newest 2020 reviews posted...
Michael is a real class act. His tuning knowledge and true understanding of the inner workings and engineering of every piano known to man makes him the best person for the job every time. His precision is impeccable. He took my 1988 Yamaha to concert level. It is as fine and beautiful as a piano can ever sound. His dedication to fine tuning to the micro level is what sets Michael apart from all other competition. If you are reading this, search no more. Michael travels all over the state, and can tune your piano beyond your belief for a low price you won't believe. I would have paid 3 times what he charges for the quality work I received. Thank you Michael, see you in 6 months! L.B.
**Newest “Concert Prep.” Performance Review...
I played it... this morning… You are a genius! The piano was unbelievably responsive. The overtones just ping in the higher pitched chords, and the bass is warm and fat. The piece I played this morning, I don’t think I’ve ever played it that well. Thank you SO MUCH for your work on it. It really shows.
-Paul P. ... I left a review on Yelp (Post-Concert)...
Generous heart and amazing skill...
I purchased a Kawai GS30 a few years back. These list for about 10-12,000 dollars used, but I got mine for $3500 because it was a wreck. Michael rebuilt the action, got it back to pitch (took some patience!) and turned it into the beautiful piano I now own. I'm not a hobbyist - I have a conservatory degree in classical piano; I know pianos, and know how to play. I'm 62 years old and have been playing for 57 years. He turned my troubled instrument into something I wouldn't trade for any instrument I have played -- responsive, warm, perfect for the home and voiced just how I like it for my living room - butterscotch and chocolate in the tone, a pleasant warm ping in the treble.
... I invited Michael and his wife to a special “Benefit” recital I was performing recently and he volunteered to do all the concert prep for the instrument I was going to play in my church sanctuary. It had been tuned regularly but never serviced - the equivalent of putting gas in your car but never raising the hood. So it needed mountains of work, and Michael *donated* about 12 hours of his time to bring the beast into shape. When he was done, that 7' Yamaha C7 felt like a Bosendorfer - infinitely responsive, high overtones pinging in the top register and filling the hall, tenor range that sang like Pavarotti, and big fat warm bass with just enough bite -- it was amazing. And the work he had done on the action made it so that every piece I played that night was literally the best I had ever played it.
Thank you, Michael! You're my tuner/technician for life!
-Paul P.
Latest “quick” review from this August… Long time professional Piano Teacher client (Yamaha Grand & Pramberger pro upright)…
“OMG! You are incredible! I will write a review for you and call you in the next month for “Stage I”! Thank you so much for a fantastic job!”
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**Description Excerpt from Pierce Piano Atlas (Copyright 2022)...
Est. March 5,1853 by Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg Sr. at 85 Varick St., N. Y. Heinrich had built his first piano in 1825 and prior to emigrating to the U.S. had an instrument shop in Seesen. Heinrich and his wife, along with seven of their nine children, arrived in the U.S. on June 9,1850. Their oldest son C. F. Theodore Steinweg stayed in Germany, Charles Steinweg their 2nd oldest son had been in the U.S. since June of 1849, he had been forced to flee Germany to Switzerland, in 1847.
The Steinweg family decided to Americanize their name when they arrived and so the Steinwegs became the Steinways. Henry (Heinrich) E. Steinway Sr. went to work for Leucht making soundboards. Albert and Henry Jr. went to work for Bacon & Raven Piano Co.. William started at the piano company of William Nunns & Co. Steinway & Sons grew so fast that in 1854 they moved to 82 Walker St. and in 1860 built the world's largest piano factory, between 52nd and 53rd Streets at 4th Ave. (now Park Ave.).
In 1865 Steinway & Sons was turned upside down by the deaths of Charles and Henry Jr. (age 34) plus the factory foreman Theodore Vogel. In that same year Albert Steinway enlisted in the Union Army (Civil War). In a very short time Steinway lost most of its leaders, Charles F. Theodor Steinweg (Steinway) sold his interest in Grotrian-Steinweg and came to America to help in the family business.
The first Steinway Hall opened in 1866 (2,500 seats), it was the center of New York culture until Carnegie Hall opened in 1891. Steinway Hall opened in London, England in 1875 and in 1880 Steinway & Sons built a factory in Hamburg, Germany.
The last Steinway & Sons Square Grand, serial number 61612, was Manufactured in 1889. Charles F. Theodore Steinway passed away in 1889 and William Steinway was running the company.
By 1907 the entire Steinway manufacturing operation had relocated to Long Island City, N.Y.
A few earlier pianos made by the founder in Germany are still in existence, the earliest of which is in the Musical Instrument Museum of Scottsdale, Arizona, it was manufactured in Germany in 1836 and is labeled "H".
Steinway & Sons moved their showrooms and Steinway Hall to 109 West 57th Street where they remained until 2014. In April, 1972 Steinway merged with formed, Steinway Musical Properties, Inc. at 800 South St., Waltham, MA., 02154. The Selmer Company, and Steinway Musical Properties, entered into an independent entities until Steinway Musical Instruments Inc. was taken public.
The new showroom and third Steinway Hall, opened in 2015, at 1133 Avenue of the company became private. Main office and Steinway Hall, 1133 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10036 and the factory, located at #1 Steinway PL, Long Island City, N. Y. 11105. Steinway Hall Steinway & Sons 44 Marylebone Ln., Wigmore Street Rondenberg 10, Postfach 54 07 48 London WIM 6EN, England Tel. 011 44 071 487 3391
Technical developments originated by Steinway & Sons include: The first over- strung grand piano 1859;
the full iron Cupola Plate 1872;
the Accelerated Action 1931;
the Diaphragmatic soundboard 1936;
Steinway Hexagrip pin block 1963.
Steinway square pianos were discontinued in 1889.
The Model "O" was discontinued (U.S.A. only) in 1923 and replaced with the Model "L"
The Model "A" was discontinued (U.S.A. only) in 1945.
Hamburg produces the Model "O" and the "A" not the Model "L".
Models "O" and "A" that were discontinued in N.Y. in the past have been reintroduced in recent years.
Item #59124