
audiobook
Transcriber’s Note:
Theory and Practice of PIANO CONSTRUCTION
CONTENTS.
SOME REMARKS BY THE PUBLISHER.
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
CHAPTER II. THE EVOLUTION OF THE PIANOFORTE.
CHAPTER III. DESCRIPTION OF THE MODERN PIANOFORTE.
CHAPTER IV. ACOUSTICAL LAWS OF SOUNDING STRINGS.
CHAPTER V. THE MUSICAL SCALE AND MUSICAL INTONATION.
CHAPTER VI. THE EQUAL TEMPERAMENT.
A thorough, hands‑on guide to piano construction, this work opens with a concise history of the modern pianoforte and an explanation of the acoustic principles that govern string vibration and tone quality. It shows why a solid grasp of mechanics and acoustics is essential before tackling the intricacies of scale design, giving readers a clear foundation for the craft.
The book then moves into detailed, practical instructions: proper string dimensions, the design of the iron frame, the mechanics of percussion and touch, and step‑by‑step methods for regulating touch and tuning. Supplementary chapters explore the draughting of piano scales and include appendices on the development of player pianos and the compact small‑grand model. Whether you’re an apprentice, a factory technician, or an enthusiast eager to understand the inner workings of the instrument, the text offers a rare, systematic look at the art and science of piano building.
Full title
Theory and Practice of Piano Construction With a Detailed, Practical Method for Tuning With a Detailed, Practical Method for Tuning
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (346K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Colin Bell, June Troyer, Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
Jun 18, 2018
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1878–1959
Best remembered for making the inner workings of the piano understandable, this American writer and technician helped turn a specialized craft into something teachable. His books on tuning, construction, and player pianos became lasting reference works for generations of technicians.
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