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wheelock upright/cabinet grand piano?
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone had any information on the history of the Wheelock piano company. I have recently acquired one of their pianos (an upright cabinet grand) that is really good condition. The tone is glorious, and I am shocked to know that it is about 100 years old. It's a wonderful antique, and it is going to a great home (I'm giving it to my fiancee who is a music major/pianist).
I'm just curious about the history of this company, and quality-wise what they were thought of back then, and today as well. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
In regards to my fiance: I'm pretty sure she will want it. At the moment she is in a position where she was not able to keep her piano and had to sell it. She is without an instrument at all right now and she is quite miserable because of it. And because of that, this is to merely serve as a filler until we can get her a replacement. But... I don't know if she will even want to get rid of it. The tone and action of this piano are far better than the one she had before. Right now she is just worrying about getting a piano of some sort, but her budget simply cannot accommodate even an electric keyboard.
Aaaannnnddd, this piano has been regularly maintained. The service records have been written on the inside, and go all the way back to its manufacture.
1 Answer
- DavidLv 41 decade agoFavorite Answer
I've had a Wheelock or two over the years. It was one of countless makes in the more or less average middle range, better than some, not as good as others. After an earlier arrangement, the Wheelock company itself was begun in 1880 to become part of Aeolian Weber in 1903 and eventually Aeolian American in 1932. Believe it or not the Aeolian name is now owned by Gibson, the guitar company and current owner of Baldwin Pianos. Piano history can be quite fascinating but convoluted.
The term "cabinet grand" was used by piano manufacturers more for marketing purposes than anything else, although generally there was some validity to the idea as it was applied to the larger, and hopefully better sounding, uprights. More important than an instrument's original reputation is the age and condition now. Any piano pushing the century mark which is in essentially original condition would require extensive, and expensive, rebuilding to restore it to its full potential. That said, I can appreciate its appeal visually and even its sound. I started out in the piano business restoring antique uprights 35 years ago and still have a soft spot for them.
That being said, I don't know if your fiance has seen or played this instrument but you may not want to surprise her with it. If she is an accomplished pianist, she may or may not be thrilled with this piano. As much as you like it (and I don't know your level of expertise), a piano can be a fairly personal choice. Best to make sure she really wants it - and she might!
Best of luck and enjoy.
