1845 George A. Prince Melodeon Restoration

It is our distinct pleasure to share with you an historical restoration just completed here at Forte' of a pre-Civil War Melodeon.  This George A. Prince Melodeon (circa 1845) was commissioned by a lovely client of ours in memory of her grandmother, who originally owned this amazing instrument.  

It has been a pleasure to work with Ms. Jane, to hear her stories and share her family photographs.  I wish everyone could have seen her expression when she heard her grandmother's melodeon play again after so many years of silence.  It was just beautiful.

This restoration was of the working mechanism, bellows, reed and pedal assemblies.  Quite the challenge, as blueprints do not exist for this instrument, and very few have survived.  Custom fabrication of parts, use of period correct glues, fabrics, leathers all went into this project.  The decision was made to leave the cabinetry in its original condition for historical reasons.

More information to come in the following days to help you understand the photos.

In the meantime, enjoy!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Photo Book Tip: Create an adventurous travel photo album at Shutterfly.com.

Carol of The Bells

University of Mobile Christmas Spectacular - Enjoy!

Now if that doesn't get you in the holiday mood, I just do not know what will.

Merry Christmas from the Staff at Forte' Piano Gallery!

Kawai America is awarded yet again!

Congratulations to our friends at Kawai America Piano on winning two prestigious industry Excellence Awards from the readers and editors Music, Inc. magazine.

2012 Supplier Excellence Award - presented annually to only ten industry suppliers.  The following quotes characterize the range of comments made about Kawai's instruments and the people that led to Kawai's selection as one of our industry's top suppliers for 2012: 

"Kawai produces an excellent line of finely made instruments - consistent, reliable - and their line-up is well planned."  

"You will never find nicer people in any company anywhere than the folks who work at Kawai.  The Kawai America family is a true partner to their retailer."

"Great team of leadership and top notch products for musicians of all levels."

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2012 Product Excellence Award - awarding the top twenty industry products across all categories.  The Kawai CA95 Digital Piano was selected for its outstanding tone, made possible, in part, by a true wooden soundboard that resonates in the same way as the sound board on a traditional acoustic piano; as well as the new "Grand Feel" action with full length wooden keys to provide the most natural touch ever offered on a Kawai digital piano.

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Kawai has now received 27 major international product awards over the past 15 years!  Including 5 "Excellence Awards"; 4 "Good Design Awards" from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion; and 11 "Dealers's Choice: Product of The Year Awards" from MMR Magazine.

It's Beginning To Sound A Lot Like Christmas!

Looking forward to seeing the students and enjoying their music while they record their annual Christmas CDs on the Kawai CP139!  I enjoy hearing how they have progressed from year to year.  :)