Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/21/2008

Question
I recently bought a Emerson Piano and would like to know more about it. The
serial number is 93126 and all the parts in the inside that I can see are all
before 1894 but I know they are just the patent dates. I would like to know
when it was made if possible. I have never owned my own piano before and
am very excited about this find. The sound is amazing even out of tune. I also
was told that I should be careful who I let tune it as they can damage it if
they try to tune it the way pianos are tuned now. Is this true? What should I
look for in a piano tuner? Thank you in advance for you help and advice.
Diane

Answer
Hi Again Diane
Fred Taylor from our site sent this info on your piano
.
"The Emerson piano #93126 was made in 1909 according to the Pierce Piano Atlas."
Good Luck with your repairs and thanks to Fred for this.

Hi Diane
Nice to hear from you.
I found a couple of things that will be of interest
First this about Emerson Pianos. Sort of explains the nice sound you mention....
EMERSON
Emerson pianos have been manufactured since 1849 and are known everywhere by the descriptive phrase, "The sweet-toned Emerson." Upright, grand, and player pianos were manufactured.
Established by William Emerson in 1849, it is one of the beat known names in the piano world. William Emerson's idea was "tone," not tone volume solely but tone characterized by clearness and sweetness. The immediate demand for his instruments produced abundant evidence of his success. They soon became known as the "sweet-toned Emerson." The Emerson was made in small grands, spinets, being predominently a piano for the home. It was a product of the Aeolian American Corporation.

As to the age of your piano, you need the correct numbers.
They can be found on the huge metal "harp" on the back of your piano.
Once you have the number, go here to get the year it was made
http://www.bluebookofpianos.com/ages/#EMERSON
We have an old piano at our community centre that gets regular use and regular tuning by an older gentleman.
So perhaps look for someone older LOL.
But maybe I would simply express my concerns to whoever you get to do the job. Ask if they have experience of these old pianos.
Personally I have never heard this concern before but it could be valid.
Good Luck and great question
Regards
Eileen