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I may not take the trouble to go to see a 1922 Bluthner if it has the old Bluthner patent action. What are the chances that it has the Bluthner patent action? When did Bluthner change to modern action?

I think they quit making them before then. It's not a bad action, anyway.

pianistical,

I have seen a modern action in some very old Blüthner grands (from about 1900) and a patent action in grands from the 1920ies. The problem is, that it is very difficult to tell a precise date, when they changed the design. I've not found someone who can answer that question, so far. I know that there is at least one smaller Blüthner grand (about 180cm) with 85 keys which was equipped whith the patent action still after 1920.

If you look at a larger grand like the Model 6 (190cm) or bigger, I think it is unlikely that such a piano was equipped with the patent action in 1922.

However, as BDB said, it was not a bad design. The patent action usually plays very light and responsive but doesn't repeat as well as a well regulated modern action. The key-dip is a little shallower (9.5mm) when compared to the modern design (about 10-10.5mm). This may not be of any importance to you if you're not a performing artist.

With a piano beeing as old as 82 years, you'll almost always have to face the fact that it will need a partial or (even more likely) a full rebuild. It is possible to "upgrade" the patent action with a modern one, but this will require experience in this job and will also add to the costs. It might be worth the time and money spend, if you can buy this instrument for reasonable money.

Best regards,
Jens

Thanks for the replies. I actually went to see the instrument and it must have been the same model as you refer to that had the patent action even after 1922. It has 85 keys and was around 180.

Where are you referring to when you imply a concert pianist would have problems with a shallower dip ?

otherside,

I'm not saying a concert pianist will definately develop problems when he practises on a Blüthner grand with patent action and performs on a different grand. However, most performing pianist would rule out the patent action because it feels slightly different then a modern action does. The shallower key dip may be part of this difference in touch. Most performing pianists I know do not necessarily look for a nice instrument for their living room but mainly for a workhorse which is a serious practising instrument and "prepares" them for the "real world". As I said, the patent action usually plays a little lighter then the average modern action. Also, repetition is slower. This is not something a concert pianist might be too happy with.

Best regards,
Jens

Jens,

Compliance, indeed than I understand.

Best regards

I suspect the repetition on the Blüthner action would be adequately fast if the action is regulated properly. It would be a very light action, and it has no aftertouch. It would be a little different, but I doubt many people would have a lot of trouble switching between it and other actions.

BDB,
some years ago I was servicing a music high school.Half of the "good" pianos were Blüthner patent.Students didn't have real problem adapting the playing.(some of them became concertists)