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Hi.

I am trying to decide what to do with a piano I have had for years. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I have the design patent number (dated 1936)and it has linked to an acrosonic spinet. However, mine is a monarch. So, is the design patent the basic furniture part of the piano?? Does it mean mine is a spinet?? Does it also mean the piano was made in 1936 or just the patent was 1936, and it could be newer(I read that Beethovan thinks a match should be taken to spinets.)

It has always been a fine piano, my upgrade from a clunky upright years ago. I loaned it to a relative 5 - 6 years ago, but app. 4 years ago it ended up in storage. It must now be moved and I am trying to make a decision as to what to do with it. You know, I have some deep emotional attachment but no longer play.
Just looking for some thoughts.

Thank you.

Hi You Bee Ducky - Welcome to Piano World!

From your description, it's certainly difficult to pin anything down. Photos would be a great help.

An Acrosonic could be either a spinet or a console. They were the "furniture" issues by Baldwin for home use. There were many different styles across the years.

The age could only be ascertained by the serial number of the piano, and not by patent numbers, or case style numbers.

There are some that feel that all spinets are firewood, and others do not. They can, and have, served a very useful purpose. The Acrosonic is considered to be the best of the lot. If it is in decent shape, there is no reason that it couldn't be a gratifying piano to play.

Please see if you can find the SN and send some photos, especially the inside with any numbers. We could then be able to give you more info.

Thank you Marty,

I was guessing the serial number was needed . That I do not currently have. The piano is a ways away ...As I said it is not labeled as an acrosonic on the keyboard drop down(?), but a Monarch. I have spent hours trying to figure this out over the internet. I do have some pictures, but they are just living room pics and not digital. It is a beautiful piece of furniture...Our guessing is that it is 40" tall...just from those pictures. However some sites say spinets are 36" - 38" tall and others say 36" to 40". Although I had lessons for over 10 years and played lots, my basic knowledge of pianos is not good. The relatives want me to give it to their daughter, but I have no clue about the value, and she is a rather unappreciative sort of person. Makes my decisions hard.

I thoroughly enjoyed this piano for a number of years.

Thks for your input!!

Oh, I though you were referring to a case style, rather than a brand.

Sorry, I am not familiar with a Monarch piano.

The definition of a spinet is not the cabinet height, it is the design of the key action. As spinet has what is called a "drop action."

Hi again Marty,

OK, I have read that about the drop action.

Guess i was trying to understand the "design patent"...I am making the common sense application that this is the "design/furniture style". The tag that is on the back of the piano is the "design patent". When I researched the "design patent" number, I found an acrosonic spinet...that link had the Serial number/Design Pattern number. Monarch is a Baldwin product if my research has been correct. Lordy, one never knows what one will find on the internet and how accurate it is.
This forum seemed to have some very knowledgable people. Thus, my trying here

thanks again

Monarch and Acrosonic are both Baldwin labels. A design patent could refer to both of them.

BDB - Tell us about the Monarch pianos. Quality, construction, etc.

Sorry, I am not that old.

My suspicions are that it was so dealers could say, "If you can find the same piano at a better price, ..."

Hi Ducky,

Look at it this way, if you get it tuned and serviced it might just lure you back to playing!

OMG Marty, that was my first email back. Moving a piano around is a huge pain...But, reality is that I am getting older...and well life happens. Just hard to let something go that was so important in one's life I guess

I have looked all over for information about Monarch's. and they are harder than anything to really find out anyting about.

But, I do thank you ever so much for trying!!

"Monarchs" were Baldwins second tier along with "Hamilton". (I know there cannot be a third second tier. But who's on first anyway?). Starting some time in the 1920's. If a grand they usually had a bass sustain middle pedal instead of a sostenuto. The pedals and trap-work was less solid than Baldwin's.

They sounded and played quite well. Certainly better than their contemporary competition from Brahmbach and Kimball.

Ahh, Ed McMurrow, RPT. I have found someone that knows a bit about Monarchs Holy moly!!!

Thank you for responding. So, a Monarch is a second tier.....or maybe third tier. It still has
always been a great piano to me. Thus, my quanadry.