Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1857-1858, 1857-10-12
The nechanIcs, Fair.

Amongst the Musical Instruments on exhibition
at this Fair is a Piano, entered by W. L R. Free
man, which, being a invention, in part, is
worthy of more than passing notice. 1t is from
the Wallace mandatory, New York, aud construct
ed on the plan patented by Mr. Spencer B. briggs.
1t differs materially from the old mode Of construc-
ton. Pianos, as generally made, iC is known, are
incAsed in frame of great thickness. which is
deemed necessary 10 bear the strain OF the strings
In the new instrument the case is not more than
half inch thick, adding considerably to facilities
for transportation as well the sOnOrOus tone
of the instrument. Inside the is iron
frame above and below, bOlted together sustaining
the whole strain of the strings, and leaving no
stain whatever on the wooden case. In fact, the
instrumental part Of the piano Is entirely indepen
dent OF the case and is of course not subject TO the
variations from weather, uusessoned wood, and
other causes of the old instruments, and as a Sc
quence remains in tune much longer. But the
most original feature after ali in Mr.. briggs nvep-
ton is the construction Of the sounding boards of
which there are two. The upper is constructed alg
together differently from the Old method, which is
to glue the sounding board TO the case, and make
1t stiff and resonant by of TRAVERSE ribs la
the new plan the sounding board is not glued to
the case, but is fixed tightly into thin iron frame
purposely made too small for it. 1t thus receives
an srched or convex form, ike the upper part of
violin. By most ingenious contrivance the bot
tom OF the piano is converted into a second sound
ing board by dispensing altogether with the heavy
panking which forms the bottom OF the old iustru-
ment, and substituting a thin layer or veneer of
wood like the upper sounding board, pressed ike
1t into au iron frame, when it assumes a coucave
shape. The effect of this will be at once perceived
The piano becomes a huge violin, as sensitive to
vibration, as sonorOus and capable of producing
the delicate sympathetic sweetness of that irstru
ment. The sounding boards are connected by three
sound posts, by which the vibrations of one are
communicated simultaneously TO the other, produ-
cling an effect that it is impossible to describe.
We are indebted for this description to the New
York Herald. The most striking advantages
gained by the new method greater richness and
purity of tune, and immense increase of power
Thaiberg, StrakOseh, w. Vincent Wallace, aud 9th
er distinguished Pianists and Composers, unquar-
hediy approve and recommend this Piano. The
hessrs. Freeman deserve the thanks Of the COM
munty for their enterprise in introducing this in
sGrument
Lyons & Co., exhibit samples Of cigars manufac
tured by themselves in this city. They are very
tempting TO the lovers of the weed aud attract con-
siderable attention. These cigars are, we are in-
formed by gentleman who has tried them. equal
in quality to any imported into this market being
made of the very best tobacco. These gentlemen
are manufacturing extensively, employing con-
siderable number of operatives.
We have noticed heretofore marble clock, ex.
hibited by Mr.. Calhoun. The clock rests graceful
ly upon beautiful marble mantle exhibited by Mr.
L Shelton, worker in marble. 1t is an exqnisite
piece of work, and much admired. Mr. Shelton |
may well pride himself upon it,
We have omitted to noteone of the useful ma
chimes in the lower ROOM and therefore take occa-
sion to refer to it now, Sedgebeers improved conf
cal Burr Stone Mill. This mill is regarded as q
most valuable Improvement, free from objections
which made to others. It ia manufactured in
this city by Mr.. Joseph Sedgebeer.