Conover Giraffe Style Symphonic Upright Piano

Exceedingly Rare 8 Foot Tall Giraffe Piano In Empire Revival Mahogany Carved Cabinet

$85,000 after total restoration

(not including applicable sales tax & shipping charges)

DEPOSITS: The restoration of this instrument has not been completed. A 30% deposit is required on instruments pending restoration. This deposit holds the instrument and keeps it from being offered to another clients, and it also makes that piano's restoration a priority. Once we complete the restoration, we invite the client to visit our shop to see and hear the piano. If the client is unable to visit our shop, we will send professional photos and videos of the piano for review. The client then has the option of paying the balance and purchasing the piano, transferring their balance to another piano in our shop, or getting a full refund for their deposit. The client is never at risk.

Sold

Out of stock

SPECIFICATIONS

YEAR: 1899

FINISH: Mahogany

STATUS: Pending Restoration

Shipping Services »

DESCRIPTION

During the late 1700's, during the evolution of the piano from the harpsichord, European manufactures built huge Pompadour pianos, often referred to as "Giraffe Pianos", sometimes 10 to 12 feet high! (This piano is only 8 feet tall). The theory behind the Giraffe piano was taking a grand piano and putting it up in a vertical position...similar to upright pianos, but many decades before the upright piano came to be. French makers like Erard and Pleyel built several versions of these pianos, and they are all but extinct today.
Just before the turn of the 20th Century, Conover attempted to revive the Pompadour and Giraffe piano based mainly on the French styles of the 18th Century. Conover built a handful of prototypes which they called "Symphonic" models; only 4 of which we are aware still exist. THESE PIANOS ARE EXCEPTIONALLY RARE! These Conover "Symphonic" pianos were built much like the 18th Century instruments, though they have standard action parts making them easier to work on. Any piano tuner can tune it. This is basically a grand piano in vertical form. It sits on 4 legs and has a pedal lyre like a grand piano. This piano has exquisite Empire Revival style carvings, and can be best described as a stunning, jaw-dropping piece when seen in person. An original matching bench is included.

Related products