#2857 HCH (shown above) AUDIO
Fortepiano made in Italy by Carlo Arnoldi, circa the late 1780s, restoration work in 2008 by Tim Hamilton, Boston. Five octaves, FF - f'''. Keyboard and direct action with no escapement work well and appear to be original. Original dampers were missing and a new set were made using the existing casework mounting positions and knee lever as a guide. The piano was restrung in Rose wire and is at present tuned to A430 hz. A music desk was made. The case is pine veneered in cherry with walnut cross banding and maple or boxwood stringing. The spine is unfinished. The piano stands on four legs, one an old replacement and one newer. The finish is of some age. There seem to be some three or four Arnoldi fortepianos in the Rome Museum of Musical Instruments and at least one other in private hands in Italy. Length 1930 mm. Width 895 mm. Playing height 700 mm. Octave span 159 mm. $35,000