[CAUT] First and Second Generation Front Duplex

[Bdshull@aol.com]

Hi, David,

First, my terminology is my own, not some standardized terminology.  Also, I don't discuss rear duplexing at all, only front duplexing, although rear duplexing entered the picture in the 70's.

First generation duplexing is Steinway's very first effort to create a string segment in front of the speaking length that might brighten tone.  This was done with a very low string angle and with full agraffes.  Many mid-70's pianos, and all A/B/C/D designs used capo bar style duplexing with a higher string angle, which I describe as second generation duplexing.  The individually cast rest pieces, as in your picture, are early applications of the modern, 2nd generation design.

As I noted, the first generation sostenuto was mounted on the belly.  It also had a very peculiar and interesting design.

Bill

 and their In a message dated 2/16/2005 2:28:46 PM Eastern Standard Time, David Vanderhoofven <david@vanderpiano.com> writes:

>Hi Bill,
>
>What is the difference between the first and second generation front duplexing?
>
>And what is the difference between the first generation sostenuto and later 
>versions?
>
>Just curious, because yesterday I looked at an 85 note Steinway A #50446 c. 
>1883, with full duplexes in the front and rear.  The rear duplexes may have 
>been changed in 1961 when the piano was rebuilt at Steinway, but the front 
>duplexes are original and cast into the plate.  The enclosed picture shows 
>the front duplexes in the first capo section.  Is this a first generation 
>duplex?
>
>Thanks for the great information.
>
>David Vanderhoofven
>Joplin, MO
>
>At 12:46 PM 2/16/2005, you wrote:
>>4.  Overstrung, with 2nd generation front duplexing (this is amazing), 
>>modern style action with tubular metallic action frame and 1st generation 
>>sostenuto mounted on belly
>>Bill
>