Square pianos are known to be an important part of
the American musical heritage. These musical instruments were used by piano
performers during the 18th to 19th century. During these
periods, a square grand piano has been a favorite among the average citizen as
well as affluent families of the society.
A square grand piano is built with wood casings and
four straight legs which have intricate designs and bands of different types of
woods. These types of grand pianos were known be more expressive when compared
to harpsichord and is a lot louder in comparison to a clavichord.
History of
Square Grand Piano
This square grand is also referred to as square grand piano or box piano. This piano style goes back to the forte pianos era
when it was in Europe where these pianos were built during the later years of
the 18th century. The clavichord was referred to as the ancestor of
this square grand piano.
The early models for square grand pianos were known
to be quite lightweight and even small and were approximately 42 inches only.
Furthermore, it has no metal brackets or bracing. Thus, it is quite unstable
and less durable. The strings for this type of piano are thinner which ran
across the back part of the piano itself. Generally, a square grand piano
creates soft sounds which make them to be more like a personal piano.
Popular
Square Brand Names
During the mid-19th century came the revival of
Neoclassical, Gothic and Rococo furniture and interior design. All of these
designs had profound influence on the
American pianos built during this period of this time.
However, it was during the early years of the 18th century
when there was an increase in the production of the square pianos took place.
The brands Clementi, Erard and Broadwood were some of the well-known brands in
the market. These were highly associated with the most durable and high quality
square pianos during the 19th century. These square pianos were built with the most
intricate reeded legs and a complementary damper pedal.
A lot of the American pianos which are constructed throughout the
1870s were known to be square grands. Furthermore, the Americans were building
larger and even powerful types of square pianos while the English, French and
German manufacturers were creating affordable upright pianos for homes.
The Steinway square piano is one of the most prolific brands in the
market. Most of their models were built with ornate carvings and designs for
their case. You will find octagonal and tapered legs for most of this American
made grand piano. The squares built by Steinway were relatively heavy and with
solid timbers. These were also built with the most exceptional types of
rosewood veneer and cast iron plates which can support the heavy tension
applied by the piano’s music wires.
Chickering and Sons built their square piano with the most costly and
durable materials. This brand was also known to be one of the most powerful
models for square grand pianos. There are models from this popular piano brand
which can even compete with the various types of grand pianos we have today.
Restoration of Square Grand
Pianos and Market Values
Square grand pianos are often rebuilt and refurbished by specialized
rebuilders. These projects are aimed to restore and refurbish this type of
piano for their own homes or for institutions where music history should be
very important. Though the cost of restoring a square grand piano is quite
expensive, it will always be worth it. This is true because of the high market
value of these vintage pianos.
How to Find
a Piano Restorer
If you happen to own a working square grand piano
from the 19th century and would want to know more about the right
approach to restore these timeless pieces, you should always consult an expert
piano restorer.
You can visit a piano restoration sites and ask for
some suggestions on the nearby restorers who can handle your square grand piano
appropriately. In addition to this, you can also seek some of the referrals
from your friends and loved ones.
Make use of the internet to visit local directories
for service providers. You can definitely come across some contacts for a piano
restorer. You simply explore their websites and arrange meetings to assess
their skills in handling your vintage square grand piano.
Furthermore, you must verify the reliability,
capability and credibility of the restorer you have hired. You do not want to
just allow inexperienced technicians to handle the job. A seasoned piano
restorer can definitely render you excellent and expert services.
