1924 Chicago Cable Co. Piano
Ah, two delights at home: the 1924 Chicago Cable Co. piano next to Richard Lake out the window. Now if I could only play the piano better...
Years ago, while planning my current life, I wrote down some of the characteristics that constituted my dream home. 10 minutes away from a lively downtown with lots of character? Check. A view of a lake and the mountains? Check. A nice neighborhood in the country with walking trails? Check. A baby grand piano? Yes.
It turned out the last item would take me the longest to achieve out of all of them, mainly due to sporadic searching, a limited budget for the purpose, and a general dearth of used baby grands in the area. The wait was well worth it, though. A 1924 Chicago Cable Co. piano now graces the living room.
The piano belonged to a young couple, Heather and Ryan, out in Fort Collins. The piano had been in Heather’s family for 30 years, purchased from her music teacher in Fulton, Missouri. Prior to that the piano was at Westminster College for at least 2 years. That accounts for the last 32 years. Amazingly, this particular piano has been in existence for 50 more years before that. This makes my 1969 MGB — previously the oldest object I’ve ever had — seem young. Dick Cheney, too. Wait, that is impossible…
Anyhow, from what I could gleam off of the internet, the Cable Piano Company of Chicago (as they were sometimes called) was founded by Herman D. Cable in 1881, and claimed to be “the world’s greatest manufacturer of pianos, inner player pianos, and organs.” It was also known for progressive business practices:
Cable Piano Company became known not only for its products, but also for its working conditions. During the factory’s heyday in the early 1900s, there were as many as 500 employees, many of whom were women. Employees could enjoy the company-sponsored brass band and male chorus, or play on the company baseball team. With its own electric plant and fire protection, the factory was also self-sufficient.
Unfortunately, the Great Depression took its toll, and the company was essentially out of business by the mid-to-late 1930s.
This particular piano is still in surprisingly good shape, stained in a grainy, dark brown finish common to a lot of antiques. Some of the keys are chipped and discoloured, but all of them work. Despite not being tuned in 4 years, the piano sounds wonderful, at least as good as the upright pianos I was accustomed to when growing up, effusing a rich, not-too-bright tone that easily fills up the entire house with music. Er, make that “noise” considering my current state of piano playing, not having practiced since high school!
It won’t ever be confused with a Steinway, but then again, this particular piano cost me just 1% (no kidding) of what one of the more modest, brand new Steinways retail for. Not to mention I will never be confused with Mozart, which may actually be a good thing considering that he turns 250 this year.
All in all, it is exciting to be back on the piano; now if only I could remember how to read sheetmusic again. Ah, practice, practice, practice…
Candy said:
While going through some of my Mom’s things I found a music book, published in 1927 from The Cable Company, makers of the famous Cable Line of pianos and inner players. This book is a little yellow from age, but just like new in condition. I was pleased to read your article and see at least one of the beautiful pianos this company manufactured.
n said:
Came across your site searching for MGB stuff. I’m thinking about buying one. Anyways, I wanted to post because I read about your background. Interestingly, I’m 28 and plan on semi-retiring from a tech job next year. It’s kind of scary, but I’m glad to see that someone else has done it.
N.Flack said:
I have a 1922 song book from your company mabe you would like it ….Let me know…….
Mary said:
We have just bought an older cable piano with a 29,000 number plated inside.
Does anyone know how to distingush the age by this number?It is a spinet dark wood and some scrolling on the front face of the piano.
Donald said:
I have An Euphona Innerplayer Paino made by The Cable Company s/n 268732. I would like to know how old it is. I would also like to sell it.
Tim Brown said:
When I was 10, my aunt and uncle gave me their upright piano that was manufactured by The Cable Company of Chicago. I’ve yet to establish the exact date of manufacture, but I’ve estimated that it was made sometime around 1896.
When it was given to me, it was a victim of the crime of “antiquing” that was so popular in the 1960’s and 70’s. It was a sickly green color that was a complete eyesore. So, after having it for nearly 15 years, and finally having a house of my own, I decided it was time to remove the evidence of the crime.
It took me a year and a half, but I discovered that a beautiful pecan wood lay underneath not only the layers of green, white, black, and pinkish paint, but also underneath the original black laquer. It now sits in my living room, and still sounds great. I’m in the process of returning to it to work on the action, which, suprisingly is still in good shape despite its age.
slim gordon said:
I’am sure I also have a 1924 I would like to know where I could find more depth about this piano.