1931 Baldwin Model C

[rvarley]

I am considering the purchase of a 1931 Baldwin grand.  It is 6'3" inches in length and the seller indicates that it is a model C.  I thought 6'3" Baldwins were model L.  Is anyone familiar with the Baldwin model C in this size?  What is the difference between this and the similarly sized model L?

[arensky]

Just did a net search but found nothing about Baldwin Model "C" pianos. I have never played one of these instruments although I know a teacher who has a 1935 Baldwin about this size, which is comprable to a Steinway "A" ( 6'0") or "Stretch A" (6'3" I think).

The Great Depression of the early 1930's hit piano manufacturers hard, there were over 100 in the USA in 1929, by 1933 there were less than 30. The surviving manufacturers had to regroup and scramble to survive and this meant streamlining production and discontinuing certain models. Your Baldwin "C" was probably a victim of this industrial displacement.

A former student of mine owns a 1930 5'2" Monarch baby grand, mfd. by Baldwin. It's an excellent instrument for it's size ( I would never buy a piano under 6'0" unless I had to) and if this low end model is indicative of Baldwin quality circa 1930 I would buy this Baldwin "C" if it suits you and is in good condition. How much is the seller asking? Older pianos can be a bargain in terms of both $$$ and quality.

[iumonito]

Could it be a player piano originally?  Those are longer without increasing string speaking length.

[arensky]

Here are the specs for the curent Model "L"; I would venture a guess that this is by and large the same piano that you're thinking of purchasing, taking into account the change of manufacturing methods and production.

https://www.gibson.com/Products/Pianos/Baldwin%20Pianos/Products/Baldwin%20Grands/Model%20L1%20Artist%20Grand/

I played one of these a few months ago (mfd. 1987) and it was a decent piano with a glossy tone and considerable power but too metallic and dense sounding for my taste. I did like the action quite a bit though. But this instrument and yours are worlds apart, I have no doubt; pianos and the way they are made have changed a lot in 76 tears.

BTW has this piano been rebuilt or altered in any way? That's an important factor to consider.

[gfiore]

The model S and SC are very early scales pre-dating the model L.  The L before 1967 did not have the accu-just hitch pin arrangement, those post 1967 did. The latest refinement of the model L is the L1. The scales of all of these pianos is basically the same, except the earlier versions had 8 single wound monotones in the bass, whereas the L had 4 double wounds, with the remainder being single wound.