I believe that they abandoned this because, by about 1900, pianos were so big and loud, and the music so rambunctious (Ragtime and such) that it could make one deef to sit there and play! ( Or at least hurt one's ears. The 1890's full-size Knabes with the plate that passes through the bottom have a bass that could compete with an S&S "B"! But facing right at you!!!) Other reasons would be that sheet music (with beautiful covers) sales blossomed in this era, so a continuous lip to hold them was preferable to the small, fold-out desk: and to help keep out the weather. Thumpe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20121031/802b3b1c/attachment.htm>
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