In the process of piano manufacturing, the side (or outer rim) is typically added to the frame after the assembly of key internal structures such as the action, soundboard, and strings. However, in some models, like Steinway grand pianos, the side and frame are built simultaneously.In grand pianos, several parts of the side are removable, such...

The "arm" of an upright piano refers to the horizontal support that extends from the left and right sides of the piano's keyboard. The arms of an upright piano are typically made of wood and are used to support the weight of the keyboard as it rests on the piano's cabinet. The arms of an upright piano help to ensure that the keyboard is proper...

The "cover pinblock" in an upright piano is a wooden cover that sits on top of the pinblock, which is a central component of the piano's action. The pinblock is a dense, laminated wooden structure that is used to hold the tuning pins in place. The cover pinblock is typically made of wood and is used to protect the pinblock from dust and other ...

The "grip handle" in an upright piano is a handle that is used to move the piano from one location to another. Upright pianos are typically quite heavy and can be difficult to move, so the grip handle is designed to provide a secure and comfortable way for a person to grip the piano and lift it. The grip handle is typically located at the base...

The soundboard is a large flat wooden panel located within the instrument's case, primarily responsible for amplifying the sound produced by the strings when struck by the hammers. Typically made of red spruce, a wood renowned for its excellent acoustic properties and strength, the soundboard is one of the most critical components in piano con...

The quality standards for the ribs must align precisely with those required for the soundboard, as they are integral to its function. The ribs distribute vibrations uniformly across the soundboard, stabilize its structure, and enable it to endure the tension exerted by the strings. The ribs are affixed to the gluing bed of the soundboard,...

The earliest reinforcements for string instruments were wooden props, designed to counteract the increasing tension of strings as their number grew, as seen in harpsichords. As instruments evolved, with more strings and higher tensions, additional wooden reinforcements were introduced, particularly in the fortepiano. Later, metal props were im...

Tuning pins are slender metal rods that secure the piano strings and enable precise tuning. Each string is anchored at one end to the cast iron plate (commonly referred to as the frame) and at the other end to the tuning pins, which are embedded into the vertical beam at the back of the piano. By turning the pins, the tension of the strings is...

For centuries, strings for instruments such as harps were crafted from animal tendons, with thinner tendons used for higher pitches and thicker ones for lower notes. Over time, techniques were developed to increase the mass of these strings, including coating and early forms of intertwining rather than wrapping. By the 14th century, metal stri...

In a piano, the treble bridge (also known as the right bridge or upper bridge) is a wooden structure located at the right side of the piano that supports the strings in the treble (high-pitched) range. The treble bridge is typically made of a hardwood such as maple or beech and is shaped like an inverted U. It is located behind the soundboard,...