Dear Mr. Mechanical Engineering student: Although the modern piano action was invented some 300 years ago, the gist of the escapement mechanism remains the same. Whatever changes you might make to the structure still must bear the tension of about 235 strings at about 200-inch pounds each. Also, no matter what "improved" design you might come up with, you still have to market it. Pianos range today from the high priced, hand crafted, well-designed pianos like Faziolli, Schimmel, Mason and Hamlin, Steinway, Bosendorfer to piano-shaped objects manufactured in Asia or anywhere else labor is cheap. Although I think it might take more years than your college stint to improve upon the piano, new ideas and people willling to undertake new concepts should be welcome. Most of us on this list have spent their entire careers "optimizing" piano design and performance. I would you suggest that you start with some experts in these fields. Tom and Barbara Wolf in The Plains, Virginia are experts on forte pianos. These were popular around the time of Beethoven and have usually faster and more responsive actions and sweeter tones than say our modern concert pianos, but they can't be used in modern concert halls with symphonic orchestras. Jack Wyatt in Texas has recreated many old piano action models and knows a LOT of the history of piano design and manufacturing. David Stanwood in Martha's Vineyard has done an enormous amount of work on friction in piano actions and has produced a very interesting new piano action. Del Fandrich in Oregon probably knows more about the cutting edge of soundboard and piano design than most piano technicians. These are just a few of the people who come to mind. The best way to meet some "piano people" would be to attend the yearly Institute, this year being in Reno Nevada in July and take all the classes you can. Also, get a job working with pianos, perhaps in a piano factory or dealership. Good luck. Carol Beigel Greenbelt, Maryland <That's where you guys can come into picture and help me to define what = >can be "optimized" in a piano. I already have some ideas like minimizing = >the weight of the cast iron frame, improving the hammer mechanism etc... = >There might be some need in accurately modeling the structural behavior = >of the piano too. >I am open to any idea or hint about what could possibly done on a piano = >to improve it.
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC