Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Antique Square Piano Question

So first off, hi again everybody! I've been off of the forum for a while because of some family stuff, but I hope to be back soon.

I'm playing on an antique square grand piano for a friend's wedding rehearsal dinner party this weekend, and I want to know what to expect---I've never played one before! The piano is supposed to be well-maintained, but I know it has to be very old purely because of the design.

I'm just going to be making pleasant sounds in the background for a lively gathering, so it doesn't really matter, but to calm my nerves, would some of you with experience with these instruments weigh in?

What is the touch/action like compared with a modern grand or upright?
How likely is it that the keyboard will be a full 88 keys?
Will there likely be one sustain pedal, or could there be one for each end of the keyboard?
Any other info or suggestions you have for me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Knowing the brand might help, but generally the actions are worn out and light in touch, repeat sort of similar to an upright action, and do not sing in tone. Do not play hard - things might break!

it's a Boston Guild Piano, c.1870

Just don't expect too much except, perhaps, to be surprised. Be aware that, for some people, "well-maintained" when refering to an antique piano may just mean that it's been moved from the garage to the living room and dusted once a week!

Regards,

yeah, i'm not expecting much. but an odd pedal configuration or smaller than normal keyboard would take some adjusting.

i am hoping that it's been tuned recently, but even so i don't know how well it will hold anyway.

and don, i'll try not to break anything!

Duncantwo, it would be interesting if you could post your experience with the piano after the event. Maybe even a picture?

PM Frycek. She usually posts in the Adult Beginners or Pianist forums. She has a square that she used for many years before recently purchasing a grand.

Also Rustyfingers who recently mentioned that she was going to give up the space that her square is taking. She also posts in the Beginners/Returners Forum.

Neither might catch this in the piano forum

thanks everybody. i will be sure to let you know how it goes.