Whilst on holiday last week we visited the National Trust 'Salterns' just east of Plymouth. In one room was a 1805 Clementi 'Fortepiano' from c. 1805. The steward in the room let me play it. Just did a bit of Mozart K330 and Beethoven Op10 No1 which I knew by memory. Obviously not like a modern piano, and only 5 octaves, but gave me a feel for what the pieces would sound like at that time . Wished I could have played a lot longer, and had a copy Clementi's sonatas with me.

Has anyone else played any old 'pianos' and what did you think of them ?

National trust and heritage properties will often let you have a go, I played the Bechstein at Longleat house one year, dreadful piano, really out of tune and in need of some TLC but I didn't have the heart to tell them, the old boy showing round was so proud of it.

In fact Salterns also has a Bechstein (not very ancient) and a quite old Broadwood, which I was also offered a go on, but we were I bit pushed for time - maybe another time.

I've tried a Broadwood square piano at Benslow. It wasn't in the best condition but still was great fun. I think it was probably the first time I've ever used the whole keyboard (or almost)!