Built in 1889, this upright has a very unusual backcheck. In most upright
pianos the backcheck serves to catch the hammer on rebound so it doesn’t
bounce around. Here the makers decided to try to mimic the advantage that a
grand has over the upright. Upon slight release of the key the spring loaded
backcheck will ease the hammer and butt forward allowing the jack to return
to playing position earlier than it might have without the boost. This should
allow for faster repitition as in the grand. The piano has a nice bright sound.
Estey, like Mason & Hamlin, began its existence as anorgan company.