Make: Eavestaff

Made in: London, England. est 1823. Bought by Brasted in 1925

Made by: Brasted

Rating: 35-68. Minipianos 35-55

Estimated Number In UK: 17,000. About 60% Minipianos c1930 -1940; 2% grands (usually 4ft 3in simplex action)

Year and serial number:
1950 - 135000

1960 - 176130

1970 - 178905

1980 - 41001

Comments

Eavestaff pianos are very varied. They were famous for the Minipianos. The earlier table top ones (Pianette) from 1934 are not recommended, being strung at the back of the piano and tuned under the keyboard. Those still in service generally have loose tuning pins and are very difficult to restore. The later Eavestaff Mini Royal model is tuned conventionally and much better. It has long bass strings and a deep bass tone for a minipiano but has a drop action, so the keys are short and the touch is therefore not very controlled. If you’re looking for a very small 85 note piano, a Kemble Compact or even Zender are a better choice. Baby grands are fair, though mostly with simplex actions. Pre 1934 Eavestaff uprights can be good from 1900 but older than this are generally not so well made. Modern style Eavestaffs are made in different factories and are varied. Currently (since about 2008) the name is apparently owed by Yantai of China.