1881-83 Steinway,#48638, image #2 OT

[Farrell]

I was thinking it provided for the old way to "hang hammers".

But your explanation is much, much better.

Terry Farrell
  
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ned Swift" <swiftspiano@hotmail.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2002 4:42 PM
Subject: Re: 1881-83 Steinway,#48638, image #2 OT


> Keith
> 
> The holes were the forerunner of the duplex scale.  The rapid movement of 
> the hammers created a whistling sound which blended with the pitch of the 
> strings.  The holes could be tuned to match the strings.  This was 
> accomplished by either reaming them out or by coating the inside with hide 
> glue depending on whether it was sharp or flat.  Of course, many piano 
> manufactures (please note the correct use of the plural) disputed this 
> concept as they believed that it made the piano some sort of hybrid wind 
> instrument.  Technicians, frustrated by trying to tune these holes eventual 
> plugged them all with chewing gum.  Finally, the manufacturer discontinued 
> this practice in a effort to cut production costs.  ;-)
> 
> Ned Swift
> Lowell, MI