A double action Grecian by Sebastian Erard number 3364 dated November 1822
This instrument was originally sold to the Royal Academy of music when it first opened in 1822 and was to become the “house” instrument that students were taught on.
Most certainly the instrument on which Mr Bochsa and Miss Dibdin gave their lessons there?
It later came and went through the Erard works shops a few times first being sold to Rook and company in Weymouth who were a music publisher, instrument retailer and teacher.
The mechanics have been cleaned, reassembled and re oiled. There was a little worm damage on the pedal box and body, all of which has been repaired. A new solid spruce front was fitted and the ornaments and decoration completely re gilded with 23.5 carat gold leaf. The back of the sound box and neck are veneered with flame maple that has a striking chestnut / conker sheen.
It is now strung to concert pitch with Bow Brand low tension gut strings and silver wire wound on silk for the bass strings.
