Buying an older piano

[_jeremy]

I've been looking locally for a new upright piano, and one particular make that's caught my interest is the "John Broadwood Model 23". It's over a hundred years old. The piano technician who's selling it has explained that it was originally restored 20+ years ago and has received a thorough overhaul since then to bring it up to "the exact restored specifications". I think it has a beautiful sound, but have been advised against purchasing it by other people because of its age and the fact that it could start failing if played on a daily basis. There was even a moment in the shop when the piano started rattling when certain keys were struck, but the noise mysteriously disappeared after a few minutes.

It seems a shame to turn down the opportunity to buy a piano with the exact mellow, warm tone that I was looking for, but I do prioritise durability as well so I was wondering if anyone with experience on this matter could give me some advice on this? Thank you!

[iansinclair]

When one is buying a piano, one should consider two things: does it fit my space and do I enjoy playing it and the sound it makes.  Sounds to me that on those two counts you have a winner.

As to the age, I wouldn't worry about that at all.  Pianos are, mechanically, oddly simple -- if somewhat fiddly.  If the soundboard is in good shape, and the frame is good, pretty much everything else can be repaired fairly easily -- and may need to be at any age, whether 10 years or 100 years or even new!  To give you an idea: one of my three pianos is a 110 year old Steinway upright.  It hasn't been worked on -- even to be tuned -- in a good solid decade.  It's not played that often (two or three times a week), but it is in tune with itself (if somewhat low overall!) and the action is fine.  Prior to about 10 years ago, it was played daily, and indeed for a while it was in a conservatory setting where it was used by students for a good 8 hours at least, every day.  Didn't hurt it a bit.

I'd say go for it.

[indianajo]

There were always pianos built to a high standard, and **** pianos built to cut the price.  A hundred years is not really a problem to the former.  If the glue will hold together, these should go 200 years IMHO. I've played many 50-70 year old beater uprights in Sunday School assembly  rooms, and the main defect besides the tinkly preDepression sound, was key tops coming off.  If you don't lose the piece that fell off, that is a $2 problem, which is the cost of a piece of sandpaper and a  tube of super glue at the local dollar store.  
Pianos are not autos, with many rubber and plastic components that deteriorate even when standing still. Pianos are mostly wood and cast iron, both of which last centuries if the rain and vermin don't get in.   Pianos do have felt, and I would hope that in the previous restoration the geriatric felts were dealt with.  Felts are designed to be replaced in a piano, so even old versions of these are not a great tragedy.  
Broadwood is a historic name, one which I cannot evaluate since there may be various versions of it.  But it is likely this is historic instrument of some merit.  
One thing an ancient piano will have a modern one will likely not, is a solid maple pin block.  As much as I like the sound of my 1982 Sohmer 39 console with the 5 ply pin block, the tuning stability of the 1941 Steinway 40 I bought in 2010, is far superior, in the same tough environment.  My house swings 55-85 deg F summer to winter, and humidity swings too with the weather. 

[dogperson]

I've been looking locally for a new upright piano, and one particular make that's caught my interest is the "John Broadwood Model 23". It's over a hundred years old. The piano technician who's selling it has explained that it was originally restored 20+ years ago and has received a thorough overhaul since then to bring it up to "the exact restored specifications". I think it has a beautiful sound, but have been advised against purchasing it by other people because of its age and the fact that it could start failing if played on a daily basis. There was even a moment in the shop when the piano started rattling when certain keys were struck, but the noise mysteriously disappeared after a few minutes.

It seems a shame to turn down the opportunity to buy a piano with the exact mellow, warm tone that I was looking for, but I do prioritise durability as well so I was wondering if anyone with experience on this matter could give me some advice on this? Thank you!

Hi
i bought a 1900 Stieff upright about six months ago, and know I made the right decision ...for me. Yes, I knew that it would need work, but the 'bones' were great.. soundboard, strings, workmanship.   You mentioned in your post that this is being sold by a piano technician.  I would advise that you get an independent evaluation of the current condition, and the anticipated repairs.  These pianos at this age were made of great wood that could withstand being moved by wagon across the country.  Durable, they are--_TLC they need.  I have replaced springs, felt,  will replace the original dampers in the fall.   By the way, I play mine 3+ hours per day, and nothing is affected....  I better stop gushing about how great a very old piano can be.  The one thing you need to weigh--- buy  the piano because you love it, not for great resale value. 

[lhorwinkle]

I'm taking the opposite view. An old piano can be a money drain.

You've been told that it was restored 20 years ago. Well, do you know that for certain? Has it been properly maintained since then? Only a technician can confirm that. So find an independent tech (not the one who is selling or recommending this piano) and have him inspect it thoroughly.

As for these statements:
If the soundboard is in good shape, and the frame is good, pretty much everything else can be repaired fairly easily -- and may need to be at any age, whether 10 years or 100 years or even new!If the 100-year-old soundboard is in good shape? Not likely, unless that restoration was for real. You have to confirm that.

Among the other things ... some can be repaired easily. But if the action is the original 100-year-old item, it will surely be in terrible shape. Hammers, bushings, punchings, springs, and accumulated debris will all need to be fixed ... and regulated. Times 88! Expensive.

And tuning stability? If the pin block is shot, the upright is dead. The repair cost is just too high. You have to have this checked. In an old piano, this is one of the most critical items to examine.

If the glue will hold together, these should go 200 years IMHO.That will never happen unless you put MAJOR money into the piano. Every part of the piano deteriorates. Among most uprights, the restoration cost exceeds the price of a new piano. It that restoration has already been done, great. But you have to be certain.

Now ... I don't intend this to discourage the OP about his chosen piano. It might be a worthwhile choice. I just urge an inspection.