Chines and multi-piece rims

[Delwin D Fandrich]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Calin Tantareanu" <dnu@fx.ro>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: March 02, 2002 12:48 AM
Subject: Re: Chines and multi-piece rims


> Hi Del,
>
> Why are you going to use this design in your new 200 cm grand? This seems
> similar to the old Bechsein A case.
> I thought modern piano design was favouring the continous rim.
> What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Calin Tantareanu



Calin,

And what, pray tell, is a 'modern piano?' The larger S&S pianos currently on
the market were designed in the 1870s and an Everett grand using a 3-piece
rim we remanufactured some time back was probably designed in the early
1900s. Since the vast majority of so-called modern pianos on the market must
trace their design fundamentals back to the S&S pianos of the 1870s I am
reluctant to define any of them as modern pianos. After one hundred and
thirty plus years you'd think we could have moved on a bit.

The continuous bent rim has certain manufacturing advantages but it has no
acoustical advantages that I am aware of. The continuous bent rim is
(theoretically, at least) structurally superior, but so what? Any reasonably
well-built multi-part rim will last in excess of 150 years -- there are lots
of examples still around -- and I've never encountered one that was twisted
while I've two Steinways, a M&H BB and a couple of other pianos in the shop
right now having continuous bent rims that are. The rim does not carry much
of a stress load -- the plate (and sometimes a bellybrace or two) does that.
The rim has only to support the soundboard and provide a mounting platform
to space the plate at the proper height above the soundboard and bridge
system.

So, having said all that, there is at least one compelling reason for my use
of a multi-piece rim: its potential acoustic superiority. I can better shape
the treble soundboard and I can more easily float the bass end of the
soundboard. Both of these are important to me.

Del
Delwin D Fandrich
Piano Designer & Builder
Hoquiam, Washington  USA
E.mail:  pianobuilders@olynet.com
Web Site:  www.pianobuilders.com