I have an old Baldwin Upright, and I am wondering where I might find a fallboard (key cover) for my piano. WHen the casework was redone it was removed. I would like to find one mostly to keep dust out, and keep the keys cleaned...any suggestions?

Hi,

There is always a chance that one of the members here can help you out. However, much more information is needed.

Start out be submitting a photo of the piano.

The specifics of the piano will be needed:

Date of manufacture - from serial number trace.
Studio? Console? Spinet?
Baldwin? Acrosonic? Hamilton?
Height?
Finish Color? (optional)

Get back to us with the info and see what happens.

It sounds like the case work was modified when it was "re-done". If so, the fallboard, even if you could find one, may not fit any more.

Here is a link to some pictures on my facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a....mp;l=787a93f8a8

It is a full upright, total height is 53", serial number is 7947, when researching this number some places I see are 1870's or as late as the 1900 to 1910

Facebook isn't allowing open access when I tried it.

My Steinway serial list puts your piano (7947) as being built in 1863. This is getting more and more interesting.

Here is a link, i just uploaded two photos to the gallery forum.

http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/galleries/2032014.html#Post2032014

A two piece waterfall fallboard is going to be difficult to fit. The height will have to be close or correct along with both panels wide enough to fit over the key tops. (depth)

Then you are working on the width left/right. I have several fallboards here in that style but I am way too far away and in another country.

OOPS! - Sorry, I was checking S&S - Disregard what I said.

It looks like it might be a Baldwin Monarch. Not all pianos came with, a fall board. Perhaps this is one of these?

I was only able to open the first picture.

No, it is an early Baldwin upright, not one of their other brands. They are not common.

BDB - My first posting was before any photos were posted. I was asking for as much info as possible as so little had been stated in the OP.

I was responding to Jerry.

Looks like a ca 1900, 3/4 plate upright that has been "modernized" (read botched) into a mirror style case, but without the mirror.

Sorry, but the piano is not worth the effort trying to re-configure a fallboard. The condition of the case does not look too bad as it is. If you are concerned about dust, you can cover the keys with a cloth or felt (see recent thread about that) or ask the piano tuner to clean below the keys once every five times you have the piano tuned.

Sorry - My Bad

Yeah, I can see that it's an early Baldwin but Monarchs were made a long time ago too.

I've encountered many pianos without key covers with the name on it similar to how that one looks.

The problem with these early Baldwins is that the actions have brass plates and spring loops, a combination that I have never seen in any other pianos. If I were asked to restore one, I would probably use entirely different parts, which would involve modifying the rail, or maybe an entirely new action.

I agree with Jurgen, in today's market it's not worth putting money into, other than a tuning now and then, unless sentimental value is important.

A solution that would prevent dust and dirt accumulations inside the mechanics would be to locate an old front board or bottom board similar in mahogany cut.

Then cut a strip to fit in against the cabinet as if the fall board was already open. Install a decal. This would be a permanent fixture and not swing to cover the keys.

I've probably got 500 fallboard assemblies in warehouse 2. If you take the front part off with the music rack on it to expose the keys can you see screw holes in the cheek blocks? ( wide blocks at either end of keyboard) It will either have 3 small screw holes still there for a hinge or one extra hole for just one screw.

You will also need the measurement from the edge of the cheek block where the step down is to the front rail as well as the distance vertically to the shelf the music rack is on.

Will be more than happy to send one to you for shipping only, it may need trimming or refinish but at least you will have the part.

J Christie
Nashville Piano Rescue
Since 1918
www.NashvillePianoRescue.com
Lascassas TN
Murfreesboro TN