I’ve just spent a Sunday morning taking apart an 1890 Erard concert grand action. Sebastian Erard made fantastic, idiosyncratic, complex and meticulously crafted pianos. Look at how complicated the lever flange is in the photo. Note too the solid brass on the hammer flanges. In fact, there’s more brass in this piano than in a military band! In terms of care and attention, longevity and intricacy of design these 19th century pianos are so much more interesting and rewarding than their modern counterparts.
