Bentley Pianos

[BoliverAllmon]

Have you ever heard or tried these pianos? They aren't making them anymore, but one of my teachers swears by them. He says that Bentleys are made especially for the home. They are real quiet instruments with an extremely heavy touch. My teacher says that everyone should play on pianos like this at one time. He said it was invaluable to learn how to play on soft and heavy pianos in case you ever get into a situation where you are stuck with one. Besides bentleys can you think of another brand that has this tendency?

[Axtremus]

Take a Mason and Hamlin made a couple of years ago or an older Kawai, close the lid, throw thick blankets around it, and stuff lots of pillow under it, then play with ear plugs on -- I think you'll get essentially the same effect.

[bernhard]

A Bentley was my first piano as a child. My parents bought it following the recommendations of the shop owner who waxed lyrical about its beautiful tone. Personally I think what attracted them to it was its small size. 

I have not played in it for over 30 years, but I recall it as being bright rather than dark in sound, and certainly the keys where not overweighed - if anything it was a very easy piano to play and very responsive to touch. It had a very beautiful pearly sound, and I think my parents really lucked out when they bought it.

Now I may be completely wrong here, but a few years ago I was in a piano shop helping a student to choose a piano, and as I was talking to the dealer (while the student was lookng at tediffernet pianos), we started talking about Bentley, and he told me that they still existed but under a different name. I think he said "Kemble", but I cannot be sure.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[BoliverAllmon]

A Bentley was my first piano as a child. My parents bought it following the recommendations of the shop owner who waxed lyrical about its beautiful tone. Personally I think what attracted them to it was its small size. 

I have not played in it for over 30 years, but I recall it as being bright rather than dark in sound, and certainly the keys where not overweighed - if anything it was a very easy piano to play and very responsive to touch. It had a very beautiful pearly sound, and I think my parents really lucked out when they bought it.

Now I may be completely wrong here, but a few years ago I was in a piano shop helping a student to choose a piano, and as I was talking to the dealer (while the student was lookng at tediffernet pianos), we started talking about Bentley, and he told me that they still existed but under a different name. I think he said "Kemble", but I cannot be sure.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

yeah they changed names to something. kemble sounds about right.

boliver

[DarkWind]

I used to have this awful upright where you would have to bang on the key just to get AT LEAST a pianissimo. Now I have a grand, and it is so much better! Although, the experience earned from that upright is pretty valuable, as your hands get used to the piano, then you get a new, easier to play one, your hands feel like they improve dramatically!

[BoliverAllmon]

I used to have this awful upright where you would have to bang on the key just to get AT LEAST a pianissimo. Now I have a grand, and it is so much better! Although, the experience earned from that upright is pretty valuable, as your hands get used to the piano, then you get a new, easier to play one, your hands feel like they improve dramatically!

that is the reason why I am looking for one like that. I think it would be invaluable. Plus real cheap to buy a piano nobody else wants.

boliver