Those of you who have known me for any length of time, will know I have a fascination with all things piano related, although I am near talentless when it comes to playing one.
After over a decade of interest in the hobby of Piano Technology (Strange since I have not had the piano or the means to pursue it) 2008 seemed like time might be right for doing something practical about it.
I have the literature and have been privy to tens of thousands of discussions by Piano Techincians Guild members (yes a dark and secret organisation with a secret handshake NOT!) around the, restoring, rebuilding, designing, re- designing and repairing of pianos. In short a truck load of head knowledge and no practical experience what so ever.
Finally I am about to embark on a practical adventure with a pretty old gal whom I courted for some months before inviting her home.
I have named her Lyra, literally meaning Song. She left the home of her creator in 1937, attired in a rich cloak of flame mahogany. By then her makers had mastered the art of producing pianos. They had been making her forebearers since 1811. Her makers exist to this day at the same location as they started 197 years ago.
She boarded a ship, and took a voyage around the tip of Africa.
At some point the ship docked in Durban harbour South Africa. There our intrepid traveller disembarked and took a train and went clickity, clacking off to Rhodesia. At that point I cannot be sure as to where she went next. She got off the train at either Salisbury or Bulawayo. She entrusted herself to the care of Messrs Laurence & Cope, and become the 987th piano to be sold by them.
Amazing in a wartime depression, people there could afford to buy a luxury item. Now they cannot afford a loaf of bread.
Her history is sketchy after that, until she was found by me ageing away on a veranda in March 2008. Thus our courtship became.
I welcomed her home yesterday. Her coat is a little faded, but her voice is sweet and with time I hope to help her sing.
Meet Lyra.
This blog will be in part a photo journal of her restoration and perhaps a personal snippet in between.
4 comments:
Welcome home Lyra.
Look after the old man, would ya ?
Definitely a love affair in the making. I look forward to following Lyra's progress and your obsession increasing.
Firstly, thank you for inviting me along for the journey.
"I am near talentless when it comes to playing one."
What absolute nonsense that is!! Wasn't it King Henry who loved to march the sound of your mmmm playing? *smile* Truly - you are a fabulous piano player.
I am thrilled that you able to take your interest one step further and free Lyra's song in flame mahogany... I know the pleasure will be completely yours.
hey bokkie!
like your new blog, hope you and lyra have a steamy affair!
you got to make your own kind of music, even if nobody else sign along!
lalala la
la lala lala
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