Henry Herz Belly Brace JPG

[Delwin D Fandrich]

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  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Richard Brekne=20
  To: Pianotech=20
  Sent: February 05, 2003 11:59 PM
  Subject: Re: Henry Herz Belly Brace JPG


  My best guess as to the reverse of the usual case orientation is to =
angle the strings such to maximize string length while minimizing case =
size and keeping a non overstrung scale. That in itself seems actually =
quite reasonable.=20
And Henry Herz is not the only one to try it. I wrote an estimate on =
rebuilding a Mathucheck 9 ft (approximately) grand a few years back =
built somewhat along the same lines. At least in terms of case shape. =
The plate and soundboard configuration were some more conventional. But =
the rim shape looked like it had simply been turned over.


  Why the soundboard should be turned upside down tho is probably an =
entirely different matter. Aside from perhaps the desire to have the =
hammers deflect the strings upwards against the bridge instead of away =
from the bridge I cant guess. The amount of bearing needed might be =
slightly  reduced because of this... at least if you subscribe to the =
idea that bearing is needed at least in part,  to help hold the strings =
tight against the bridge.=20

You're probably right. A hundred or so years back that was considered to =
be an issue. (The hammers deflecting the strings toward the soundboard, =
that is.)



  Does it sound / perform better then other configurations ??.... :) =
Actually it has a really nice sound considering its age and condition. I =
think we are going to put a low pitch tuning on it and record a few =
tunes on it, and if we do I can post it.=20

  The awkward to tune part I am not so sure about. I will find out soon =
enough, but as long as there is reasonable rendering, wouldnt the upside =
down pinblock be just a matter of getting used to it?

I was thinking mainly of the need to hold the tuning hammer up against =
the pins rather constantly. At least the rows of pins are labeled and =
more-or-less easily seen. Unlike the Baldwin ElectroPianos....

Have fun,

Del


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