It's definitely several steps above the free pianos found around here in terms of aesthetics, which seems to make it perfect for your intended use. I like the "make it a functioning instrument" concept. Install a keyboard, a sound generator of some sort and an amp. If you did it right, you could either have it capable of playing live or have it replay a MIDI file when someone touches a key/hidden button - a good option for future actors who do not actually have piano chops but who need to fake it on stage and you want the sound coming from the piano itself.
Of course, I'm the guy who took an antique AM radio and turned it into a giant Airplay speaker because then it got used. It had been sitting in the family garage for a generation before that. This seems like the piano equivalent.
The cost of our opinions is you have to do a build thread.
I want to know, "if you cut the strings from highest to lowest in sequence, does it snap the cast iron frame in half killing anyone nearby?"
Urban Legend...
Curtis, I just learned there's a Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ. Might be worth a phone call.
A la Top Gear, you could find a terrible car and then drop the piano on it.
Regarding the harp inside the piano, I think I remember hearing somewhere that they're often cracked in old pianos like this anyway.
914Driver said:
Curtis, I just learned there's a Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ. Might be worth a phone call.
I agree. While old pianos from the middle of the last century are certainly not rare, this one goes back a fair bit further than that. I know I wouldn't want the dubious distinction of being the guy that destroyed a priceless antique to make a theatre prop. I mean this thing might well have been played by a member of the House of Wessex.
And you know what happens to theater props? Somebody decides that it would be a good idea to paint it purple.
In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :
Off the top of my head, it appears to be made by "Henry Frooms", out of England.
I'll let myself out now!
Steve_Jones said:
Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) said:I know two piano tuning/repair guys, both of whom are keen on snatching up a classic, and they both reacted to it in the same way we would look at a free Biturbo after it went through a fire and then a flood.
So which one is on the way with the trailer?
Was going to quote this as a fantastic comparison, as well.
But your reply, ads the perfect GRM response 
