Absolute Piano: Restoring an Erard Upright — Tips & Techniques

Absolute Piano Erard Upright — Authentic 19th-Century French CraftsmanshipThe Erard upright piano stands among the most evocative instruments of the 19th century, a product of French ingenuity and a mirror of the musical tastes, technological advances, and artisan pride of the era. This article examines the Erard upright’s history, construction, tonal character, restoration considerations, and its place in today’s musical world — with particular focus on what makes an Erard upright truly “authentic” and why collectors and musicians still seek them out.

A brief history of Erard and the upright piano

Sébastien Érard (1752–1831) founded the Érard firm in Paris and London; the company quickly earned a reputation for technical innovation. Érard is best known for inventing the double escapement action for grand pianos (patented 1821), which allowed faster repetition and helped shape Romantic piano technique and repertoire. While Érard’s grands are often celebrated, the firm also produced upright models that combined compactness with a clarity of design and sound aligned with French aesthetics and workmanship.

By the mid-19th century, the upright — more space- and cost-efficient than grand pianos — became popular in salons, conservatories, and private homes. Érard uprights catered to an affluent market that valued both musical performance and decorative furniture. Their instruments often feature fine veneers, brass hardware, and cabinetry that reflect contemporary styles such as Empire, Louis-Philippe, and later Victorian influences.

Craftsmanship and materials

Erard uprights were built with an emphasis on precision and high-quality materials. Key construction features include:

• Frame and soundboard: Most 19th-century uprights used wrought-iron or cast-iron frames to support string tension, but earlier or boutique models may still feature wooden framing elements. The soundboard was commonly spruce, selected and tapered for resonance and tonal balance.
• Action: Érard action designs—while more famous in the grand realm—carried over technical sophistication to their uprights. Actions were hand-fitted, with careful regulation and leather or cloth bushings. The result is a responsive touch that, when maintained, offers nuanced control.
• Strings and bridge: String scaling in Erard uprights reflects 19th-century tension norms and voicing expectations; bridges and pinblocks were crafted to precise tolerances, often allowing a focused midrange and singing treble.
• Cabinetry: Cases were often veneered in fine woods (mahogany, rosewood, walnut) and adorned with brass or ormolu fittings. These instruments were as much furniture as musical tools, designed to complement well-appointed interiors.

Tonal character and playability

Erard uprights have a tonal palette distinct from many modern mass-produced uprights:

• Treble: Clear, bell-like, and articulate — well suited to salon repertoire and transcription work.
• Midrange: Warm and singing; the mid frequencies often carry the instrument’s expressive strength.
• Bass: Typically less powerful than modern uprights, but with a woody, rounded quality that suits chamber and intimate settings.
• Dynamic range: Capable of subtle shadings and delicate phrasing; extremes of volume are more restrained than on contemporary concert instruments.

Playability depends heavily on the condition of the action and voicing. A well-restored Erard upright can reward a sensitive player with immediate responsiveness and a distinctive tonal signature that complements period performance and certain modern repertoire.

Authenticity: how to identify a genuine Erard upright

To recognize an authentic Erard upright, look for these indicators:

• Serial number and stamp: Érard instruments usually bear a stamped serial number and maker’s name inside the case or on the plate. Cross-referencing serials with known production lists can help date the instrument.
• Logo and markings: Period logos, company stamps (Érard — Paris / London), and occasionally patent references or inventory labels from dealers or previous owners.
• Construction details: Hand-cut actions, traditional pinblocks, wooden wrestplank or cast-iron plate variations consistent with the instrument’s estimated age.
• Cabinet and hardware: Quality veneers, original ormolu or brass fittings, and consistent stylistic details matching the production era (Empire, Louis-Philippe, etc.).
• Provenance: Old receipts, repair invoices, photos, or written histories increase confidence in authenticity.

Beware of later modifications, relinings, or refittings that can obscure original features. Many period uprights were altered over decades (new strings, iron reinforcements, re-voicing) so authenticity often means a mix of original parts and sympathetic restorations.

Restoration and maintenance considerations

Restoring an Erard upright requires a balance between preserving historical integrity and ensuring reliable playability.

• Assessment: Start with a thorough inspection — soundboard condition, pinblock stability, string condition, action wear, cabinet integrity, and historical markings. Photograph and document everything.
• Structural repairs: Address cracks in the soundboard or compromised pinblocks promptly. These affect tuning stability and tonal quality. Use sympathetic joinery and materials where possible.
• Action work: Replacing worn felts, re-shaping hammers, and carefully regulating the original action will often be required. Maintain original action parts when feasible; reproduce only when necessary.
• Strings and tuning pins: Re-stringing may be needed, but consider historically appropriate string gauges and materials if authenticity is a priority. Modern strings can improve tuning stability but may alter tone.
• Finish and cabinetry: Clean and conserve original veneers and hardware. Full re-finishing can be performed when the finish is beyond preservation, but retain original decorative elements.
• Voicing: Skilled voicers can recreate an Erard-like tone by balancing hammer felt density, string striking points, and soundboard response.

Costs vary widely. A cosmetic clean and minor regulation is modest; a full restoration can be substantial but justified if the instrument is rare or historically significant.

Using an Erard upright today

An Erard upright fits several modern roles:

• Period performance: Excellent for historically informed performances of 19th-century repertoire and salon music.
• Recording: Its unique tonal color can be desirable on recordings that seek character and authenticity.
• Teaching and practice: For students of historical technique or tone, an Erard provides an instructive contrast to modern pianos.
• Decorative and collector’s piece: Its cabinetry and provenance make it attractive to collectors and interior designers.

Practical considerations: these instruments require regular maintenance, careful climate control, and possibly a tuning schedule different from modern pianos. If using on stage or in loud ensembles, amplification or careful mic placement may be necessary to balance presence with projection.

Value and collecting

Factors that determine market value:

• Rarity and condition: Intact, unrestored, or sympathetically restored instruments command higher prices.
• Provenance and documentation: Instruments with connections to notable musicians, salons, or historical events can be especially valuable.
• Playability: Collectors who also play value instruments that are stable and responsive.
• Aesthetic condition: Original veneers, hardware, and finishes increase desirability.

Prices vary regionally and by market trends. Verify authenticity and condition through expert appraisals before purchase.

Conclusion

The Erard upright is a distinctive artifact of 19th-century French piano craftsmanship: technically accomplished, sonically characterful, and visually refined. For musicians, restorers, and collectors, an authentic Erard upright offers a direct link to the musical life of the Romantic era and a playing experience that modern instruments rarely duplicate. Preserved and cared for thoughtfully, these pianos remain living instruments that continue to sing their unique music into the present.