Age: 1910
Price: $18,000
Serial #: 52040
Size: 54 3/4 inches
Wood: Quarter Sawn Oak
Finish: Historically accurate refinish
E.Gabler & Brother
In 1907, Gustav Stickley joyfully announced the arrival of “craftsmanesque” pianos in his issue of The Craftsman.
“There is no doubt that many homes into which the Craftsman goes have wrestled with the problem of a piano so cased as to conform to other Craftsman furnishings. To all such as well as to those contemplating this style of house fitting the announcement of Ernest Gabler & Brother in this issue will come with a peculiar interest. This firm has now arranged to supply their highest grade piano in oak or mahogany case in a style adapted to Craftsman furnishings and are now engaged on plans for a similar treatment of their Grand pianos. This will be welcome news to the families where the real fitness of things is considered, especially as the piano itself is of the most reliable make and will fulfill every musical and artistic requirement of the competent judge. The metal work, such as the hinges, pedals, etc., are also thoroughly craftsmanesque, and are of hammered iron, copper, or brass as may be desired. The manufacturers will be glad to answer any inquiries or correspondence addressed to them in accordance with their advertisement.”
How nice. In an era where every detail was ruminated upon and executed, the masters truly left a trail to be admired. Our Gabler upright piano, that has been approved by Stickley, is housed in a Quarter Sawn Oak casing. The metal work is of original hand-hammered brass. The Gabler is what we like to call "nicely neglected", which here means that is was protected from radical changes in temperature and humidity, and was played like angels' visits, few and far between. Coming across such a well-preserved piano was a surprise indeed, and working on it to perfect its playing standard has been a joy. For those of discerning tastes, in both furniture and acoustic integrity, this piano is a rarity. Re-strung and with new hammers, the Gabler is truly a unique beacon of sound and style... history made present. The care taken with the refinishing of the wood was utmost, and ardently adhered to the original techniques of the day, so that the instrument glows like it was placed in a perfect time-capsule.*
*A word about the finishing schedule. The artisan refinisher (aka Gordon Taylor aka my lovely husband) studied traditional finishing techniques of the past to create a formula that closely parallels the original results. To emphasize the inherent harmonious contrasts in the wood, he used asphaltium and button shellac. First, a dye stain gives a rich background, and a honey-oak color. Next, a sealer coat of shellac locks in that color. Then a coat of asphaltium is wiped on and wiped off to color the pores and highlight the tiger stripe pattern. Several coats more of shellac are applied, then rubbed out with fine steel wool, and finished with a paste wax. To reduce the high sheen left by the wax, the wax is then buffed with 0000 steel wool.
E. Gabler Action Rebuild
Replace
hammers (Able Hammers with a Hornbeam core)
bridle straps
capstan contact felt
damper head felt
catcher leather
hammer rest rail felt
Tighten all action screws
Re-pin all hammer flanges
Retention damper springs
Teflon hammer butt leather
Lubricate damper lift rod
E. Gabler Regulation
Space action parts and keys
Adjust hammer rest-rail position
Lost-motion adjustment
Level and dip keys
Replace all underkey felt
Let-off and backcheck regulation
Regulate damper lift and spoons
Regulate pedals
Repair pedal trappings
E. Gabler Various Tasks
Refinish piano
Restring entire piano (Arledge bass strings)
Replace tuning pins
Restore all bridges
Seat all strings
Tune until pitch is stabilized
Clean keys
Replace pedal and nameboard felt
Replace casters
Vacuum inside and back of piano
Please call (503) 233-2234 or email sales@immortalpiano.com to inquire about this piano.
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