Hi folks, I am testing the waters regarding interest in my personal
1933 5'3" Knabe Ampico B in burled walnut, located near Cleveland, Ohio.
The asking price is $3700.

Rest assured, I'm not leaving the Ampico family; I will likely be moving
to a Mason Hamlin Ampico.

First off, let me say that I absolutely love this piano and play it for
almost an hour every day. It's amazing to how this little 5' piano has
a such a prevalent bass and lyrical singing treble. It's a testament
to the Knabe design and the previous owner's care. Some highlights:

The piano was owned by the same family since new up until I purchased it
two years ago. Since then I have:

- rebuilt the vacuum pump;
- rebuilt the reservoir;
- rebuilt the spill valve;
- replaced the main and secondary twill hoses;
- installed new shanks, flanges, and Ronsen Bacon felt hammers;
- repaired the drawer so automatic rewind, reroll brake, and repeat
functions operate;
- Replaced the fiber drawer motor drive gear with a custom fabricated
carbon-fiber version.

The case is original and could use some minor care but it still shows
well. The burled walnut really is unique. The finish does show some
crazing and there are some water marks on the top of the lid.

It does have what appears to be a factory 88-note switch to play 88-note
rolls, though of course I don't use that function.

If I were to keep it I would reglue the handful of loose veneers and
probably restring it (though it still plays beautifully). If someone was
interested in buying it restrung that's an option too. The player was
rebuilt in 1953 and 1983 and partially rebuilt in 2020.

It looks to me like the piano has been restrung once as it has size 3
tuning pins. The soundboard is free of major cracks and has no discernible
buzzes, which is impressive for an 88-year old piano. It still has nice
sustain and clarity in the tenor and treble. It's maintained at 45% RH
and 72F since I've owned it.

I can deliver the piano anywhere in the country for an additional fee.
Here's a recent recording of this Knabe playing one of the Saint Saens
Concertos:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19VgyNPZ9QBQjOoR4cWeJpSgEMcQK3a3N/view?usp=drivesdk 

Jonathon Lorek - Owner, Lorek Family Piano
Perry, Ohio
tel.: 1-440-290-6642
jonathon@lorekfamily.com.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]