Ed Gaida's Broadwood player action is certainly unusual. Here in the
UK I have seen two of this style of early internal player in recent
years. What is unusual about Ed's one is that it is an 88-note version
whereas the ones I have seen were 65-note instruments in Broadwoods,
with green-painted frames instead of the usual gold-gilt color.
Broadwood pianos have a staggering array of player actions found in
them. Off the top of my head I can state with certainty that these
included at various times the following branded actions: Angelus,
Angelus Artrio, Ampico, Recordo, Triumph-Kastner Autopiano, Kastanome
and Hupfeld. There are also several non-branded actions that appear
to have been fitted and sold by Broadwoods themselves. The one in the
pictures is an unusual example of this.
On my web site under the Player Pianos, original adverts, is a large
image of one of these later Broadwood players sold directly through
Broadwoods.
For non-UK based readers it is worth pointing out that Broadwood
instruments are very highly regarded top quality UK-made pianos.
The company had a very long and distinguished history throughout the
19th and early 20th century. Broadwood players are generally worth
restoring due to the high quality of the piano.
sincerely
Adam Ramet
http://www.themodist.com/
|