Frank Renfrow Piano Tuner-technician on pause

Cincinnati Piano Tuner / Frank Renfrow Fort Thomas Piano Tuner Northern Kentucky Piano Tuner Cincinnati Piano Tuning Campbell County, Kentucky Piano Tuner Boone County, Kentucky Piano Tuning Kenton County, Kentucky Piano Tuning Anderson, Ohio Piano Tuner Clermont County, Ohio Piano Tuner Best Piano Tuners Cincinnati Frank Renfrow Piano Tuner-technician Cincinnati Piano Tuner and Cincinnati Piano History NKY Piano Tuning and Fortepiano History

Hi, This is Frank Renfrow your friendly neighborhood piano tuner doing my part to make the world more harmonious. If any of you were wondering, yes indeed, I am still doing piano tunings. I am also still practicing Covid protocols such as using masks and being up to date on all vaccines and boosters. As of the year 2023 I have 49 years of experience in tuning pianos in the Cincinnati region. After starting in 1974 and completing my apprenticeship with a Seinway-Wurlitzer dealer, I worked for the Baldwin Piano Company from 1977 to 1988 doing customer piano tunings. I have been doing it independently ever since. Please feel free to contact me via text at 859-653-1460 or email at

frankrenfrow@aol.com

I have to admit I have gotten sort of out of the habit of checking voicemails or answering the phone so bear with me. The two best ways to reach me is by email at frankrenfrow@aol.com

or texting me on my cell phone at:

859-653-1460

 

If you call me I may not answer my phone immediately

but will endeavor to answer your voicemail message

as soon as possible.

A George III Art Case Piano Forte  in the neoclassical style: Features a fine Vernis Martin lid painting of the Goddess Athena attended by the Three Muses. Depicted from left to right are Melete strumming the lyre, Athena at rest with helmet and shield, Mneme memorizing verse and Aeode with lyre in hand. This is an exquisite example of neoclassic allegorical painting, very skillfully executed in a similar style to that of Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807).  

The intricate border artwork includes fine profile portraits that could well be of the original Eighteenth Century ladies of the estate for which this piano forte was commissioned.  A number of oval insets of angelic cherubs dancing and playing instruments add humor and musical interest. Fine floral embellishments, ribbons and swags, griffons, a classical urn and six finely decorated Hepplewhite style legs complete the fine classical art enhancements of the piece.  

The nameboard inscription reads:

" Jas Longman / No. 26 / Cheapside, London."

1790s rare Geo III Piano Forte in a fine art case: This is an incredibly fine piece of late 18th century artwork in a piano forte case. This was originally a five octave instrument but the piano parts have been removed from the interior, except for the genuine whalebone damper springs, nut and hitchpin block. 

The case and lid parts are completely intact and have not been cut or modified like many of these that have been converted into a desk or sideboard. This would be the perfect art case to fit a keyboard, action and soundboard right into. The case is in fine shape with no warpage, the interior wood all appears clean and fresh. 

This pianoforte came to me fitted with a James Longman nameboard, but this appears to be the result of a later "marriage" and does not appear to be original with the piano. It is however a fine piece of artwork in its own right. Measurements and the inlay of the keywell sides would indicate that this piano forte is from the early 1790s, however the nameboard appears to be from the late 1790s.

 

There is a very similarly decorated but five and a half octave Goulding, D'almaine and Potter in the Belle Skinner collection, so it is possible that this piano is an earlier Goulding creation but this would take some sleuthing to try to positively identify the maker. 

 

Athena and the Three Muses

Here are some thoughts on the artwork on the 1790s George III Art Case Piano Forte.  Careful analysis indicates that the theme of the lid painting was based on the Hendrick van Balen (1575-1632) pianting, Minerva (Athena)  and the Nine Muses".  

 

Athena with Muse detail from the George III Art Case Piano Forte (circa 1790s).

 

 Similar detail of Athena and Muse from the van Balen work.

 

 

Text or Call Frank Renfrow at 859-653-1460

 Email: frankrenfrow@aol.com

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 

 This is a very rare and precious early keyboard instrument case of highest museum quality. 

 

This 1790s rare Geo III Piano Forte fine art case is no longer available.

Call Frank Renfrow at 859-653-1460

 Email: frankrenfrow@aol.com