Hello, thank you for your tutorials, I think they will be useful to me. I was thinking of purchasing a piano to restore and while searching I found a slightly old upright one; on the lid it says TOMLINSON LANCASTER 1846, but I haven't found any information about this company that produced it, have you ever heard it mentioned? If so, could you give me some information on the quality of the pianos produced by this company? Obviously, the action needs to be completely overhauled and repaired, but I would like to understand if it is worth it or not to spend a lot of time fixing it. Regards
It is unknown to me. Probably of artisanal manufacture. In that era, many artisans copied designs. It will certainly be 85 notes.
In relation to its age, one must examine the condition of the soundboard, the bridges, and the sinking of the latter. Once some reservations are cleared, it could be an interesting instrument, but one must expect to obtain a restored period instrument. No one can ever give anyone or anything back its "youth." I await some internal and external photos of the instrument. By internal, I mean the action and the upper and lower parts of the soundboard. Naturally, any eventual restoration is understood to be total (strings, action, soundboard load revision, tuning pins, frame revision, etc....)
If it is still available for purchase, I would have many misgivings. You would be forced to face a large expense without gaining any added value.
And what about the action? Bayonet style, meaning, by opening the top lid, can one see a rod that obscures the hammers from view?
