mint Posted January 25, 2013 Share Posted January 25, 2013 I'm looking to see if we could possibly squeeze another piano into one of our rooms downstairs.Searching on line, I have found a beauty, though the price makes me suck in my breath a bit. The advert says that the piano has been used "comme piano d'appoint".Now, what on earth can that mean? I suppose being "d'appoint" is a good thing or the advertiser wouldn't have emphasised that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YCCMB Posted January 25, 2013 Share Posted January 25, 2013 I guess it's been used as a backup or a spare. Must be either a very musical or well of person to have a spare piano for - for what? Guests? in case the other one breaks down? Someone pops round for a duet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted January 25, 2013 Author Share Posted January 25, 2013 Yes, that makes sense as the seller is a professional musician.Hmmm.....anyone wants to buy my car "d'appoint"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted January 25, 2013 Share Posted January 25, 2013 You mean the 500cc pitt putt? Or the little Beamer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allanb Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Sorry, duplication. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Betty is right. I have often seen d'appoint with chauffage, implying a plug in electric fire, or a paraffin stove rather than built -in heating system.I think for a piano I would translate it as a "practise piano" as opposed to one good enough to give a recital on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted January 28, 2013 Author Share Posted January 28, 2013 I get the impression that the piano being "d'appoint" is to emphasise that it is little used.I went back to re-read the advert, it says indeed that it is "très peu utilisé, that the vendeur is from a conservatoire, that the piano has been chosen for its its good tone and with much care.As for the question Betty asks about why a "spare" piano, perhaps I should explain that OH and I have been known to argue about whose turn it is to play (yes exactly like 2 kids) and, in the past, I have always said that should we come to divorce, I wanted the cats (we had 2 now alas long since gone to catty heaven) and the piano!Also, I believe it was Horowitz who had a piano on each flour of his 4-storey house. So you see, some people do have justification for having more than one piano! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 For me d'appoint means temporary or standby, something used occasionally to either supplement something or temporarily replace it, examples being un lit or canapé d'appoint, a guest bed or zed bed, or chauffage d'appoint being a portable gas or fan heater.A piano d'appoint though? I suppose if it was small enough he could take it to recitals or repetitions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Sweets has added a new meaning to the phrase really; the piano for the person who doesnt get to use the good one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted January 28, 2013 Author Share Posted January 28, 2013 Ooh, Wools, remind me to buy you a very large wooden spoon for your birthday [:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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