Ed Archambault?

[mystearica]

Good Day,

So I want to learn the piano - first 2 things I found available instructors and now Pianos from Craigslist.  I figured it doesn't matter what kind I get since well I wouldn't know the difference anywayz.  The mover cost is about 320 + 13% tax.  But the Piano does look very very old (and yes I understand since you will move it you'll need to get it tuned).

So anyone know anything about a Ed Archambault, Montreal?  Lucky enough to find out the serial number is 16088.  Were they a decent brand?  Any idea how much the piano (which is an Upright) weights in this case?  Thanks

[silverwoodpianos]

Archambault, Ed  Est. 1896 Montréal, Canada.

This company was well connected with music in the city of Montreal.  A publisher of Canadian composers and instruction materials; dealing in Bell, Thomas, Pratte and Lesage pianos, the Archambault  retail outlet  was truly a landmark on the Quebec music scene.

Around the 1915 mark was when the first Archambault instruments appeared for sale. With the exception of the US manufactured sounding board these, pianos were totally manufactured in Montréal. After the sale of the piano line to Weber, the outlet remained a popular place up into the ‘70’s.
Taken over by Weber, in Kingston , Canada  about 1924. 

[mystearica]

Thanks for the reply!  So it's obviously a really really really old piano (now that I think about it, the piano in the picture is in rather good shape relative to it's age: https://img1.classistatic.com/cps/kj/110306/658r7/5773dih_20.jpeg).  It comes with a matching bench lol - which hopefully is an indication that it is well kept.  I'll go see it tomorrow - not sure what to look for other than to make sure it is physically in good shape.  Thanks for the info

BTW I heard that older pianos (even when they are in tune) have a less "bright" sound to them is that true?  Thanks

[lhorwinkle]

"The piano is in rather good shape relative to it's age."
The picture tells you virtually NOTHING about the condition of the piano. No matter the appearance of the outside, it's what's inside that counts.

"It comes with a matching bench, which hopefully is an indication that it is well kept."
The bench tells you NOTHING about the condition of the piano.

"I'll go see it tomorrow - not sure what to look for other than to make sure it is physically in good shape."
If you don't know what to look for, then looking will tell you almost NOTHING about the condition of the piano.

I'm sorry if this sounds negative ... but buying an old piano is fraught with (economic) danger. Given the age of this piano, it's possible/likely that its pinblock is shot, its soundboard may be cracked, the action may need a complete overhaul, the strings might need to be replaced. If all of that needs to be done, then the piano is worthless because it will cost more to fix than it's restored value.

Now, it's possible that this piano is in decent shape, and perhaps it was well-kept and perhaps restored during its long life. But only a piano technician can tell you that. If you don't intend to use the services of a technician, then skip this (and any other) used piano.

[jimbo320]

This is one of the reasons why I only buy new........

[mystearica]

I see and you're absolutely right

Okay so.... then two things so I got the attention of someone knowledgeable

-If I buy or test out an used piano - what components should I look it (so I can research them now in the mean time until another opportunity arises).

I think starting with the pinblock and soundboard sound like a good idea (will read about them and google pictures).  I would love to buy a new upright - but they probably costs in the thousands.  A used piano store (not people) sell their upright pianos between $800-$5000+++  So I can only imagine the price of a new one.


EDITING: Just to let you know I'm only a student - no parental support nothing.. and the money I make with my part-time job is very very little (well I don't actually make any 'cause I'm in dept)

[jimbo320]

Hmm let's see here,
Things to look for would be of course the age. Average age that a vertical stays worthwhile is in the neighborhood of 80 years. Next thing to look at would be to make sure the sounding board is not cracked. When is the last time it was tuned? Is it in tune? Replaced or original strings, pads or action? Make sure the pins aren't too worn. Look very closely to the entire finish. Any changes in color might imply a partial repair. You want to stay away from one that has been broken.
If money is an issue, why not look into a digital piano instead. May not bean acoustic but a lot less bucks...