Bechstein Purfling

PIANOBIZ@aol.com PIANOBIZ@aol.com
Fri, 02 Aug 1996 22:30:50 -0400


In a message dated 96-08-02 07:34:03 EDT, you write:

>
><< Does anyone have any opinions or suggestions about how to fabricate this
> molding and more specifically, how to steam and bend the wood to conform to
> the outline of the soundboard? If any of you out there  would care to share
> any comments you might have about this, I would appreciate it very much and
> will pass it on to my colleague.
>
> Many thanks.
>
> Tom Seay, RPT

Tom
I thought I might be able to add one thing to the discussion about that
molding and that is--it's name.  It is called purfling.  I just took apart an
1873 Steinway C which had a similar ornamental edging around the inner rim
perimeter, above the plate. It must have been conformed to the inner rim
shape by steaming and then nailed into place to dry. This purfling had lots
of nails in it, making it impossible to remove without damaging.  I doubt if
we can reuse it and to replace it looks impossible.

David Sanderson
Littleton, MA
Pianobiz@aol.com





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