The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-11-08

A Detailed Account OF the Processes Used
In Their Manufacture.

From BHrcau Of the Census Bulletin No. g..
In recording the various steps IN the manu-
RaCture Of a high grade piano the selection
and seasoning Of the various kinds Of wv4A
in the first and one Of the most important.
Only those grains and textures are used
which have been found 10 possess the reson-
ant quality necessary Cor the production Of
the desired tones. The wood used is almost
entirely Of American growth. the only nota-
BILE exceptions being the expensive vcuceTs
for the ease and the ebony for the black
keys. The seasoning Of this lumber requires
several years. a. the condition Of the wood
In "A very important consideration In Obtain
ink the best results.
This seasoned wood is sawed into widths.
and the parts are usually made Of n number
OF these widths fitted aud glued together
In order 10 withstand the influence Of at
mOspheric changes. 10 obtain the best tOnal
results aud tO,add to the strength. Very few
metal bolts or screws are used In the manu-
faCtuTe of a piano. even the timbers of the
framework being glued together under heavy
pressure. II il found that better results arc
thus Obtained, ~ the glue properly applied
makes "a permanent Joint whereas bolts or
screws are liable 10 work loose.
The heavy wooden framework Of n grand
piano and that OF an upright are necessarily
different IN form and construction, hut tho
principles used are rhe same. for the solid.
massive cOnst rnCtiOn OF the frame must assist
NAH h"A N'Hh w ''N'A'r ~ 'AN' w 'A
strings.
The plate il a casting Of metal, principally
iron. and il made to ~ over the frame. This
portion of tn" piano il very generally manu-
featured by foundry and machine shons " hich
make a specially of piano plates and piano
hardware. The SmOOt hing down, machine
drilling, and finally the brOnZinR and Japan
ming of the plate are the important operations
In the preparation of this casting.
The spruce pine used In the sounding board
il the subject Of most careful selection, and
the building of this slightly convex and highly
sensitive wooden surface and the arrange
neni Of the bridges may be considered among
the delicate feat ureS OF piano mani al act IRE.
The sound production is caused by string
vibration. and the wire used. necessarily Of
great elasticity aud of highest grade, II in
some inst anCes purchased abroad. The laying
out of the scale arranging the length unu
weight of wire according 10 absolute ruiF,
requires expert ability ms well "A genius.
The action or striking mechanism, the care
fully balanced key. the felt covered hammers
and danpeTs and many other deliCately adj
iusted parts include numerous perfected con-
triVanceS. 1OnlnR or NOlClng the piano To
produce tone shadinps il done by softening
the felt Of the hammers with needles,
The setti ing up or assembling Of the instru-
ment and the regulating OF the many parts
TO make y harmonious whole II the next step
and plate gTe attached to the framework,
the wires are properly strung and Chipped
or tuned IN n preliminary manner the kew
board and action are then SET IN and adj ust ed.
the final tuning Of the strings - gone over
by experts. and the combined results are most
carefully tested.
Great care is expended IN the finish Of the
case. iuasmuCh as rho instrument il designed
10 please the owe rs well rs the ear. II l.
Vanished. SardpRDeTed and rubbed until a
taste prefers the dun fnish. and by many this
ia considered more Art istiC.