Sounding Boards for Pianofortes
UK Piano Page
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Robert Smith at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 20th March 1872.
"I, ROBERT SMITH, of Plymouth, in the County of Devon, Pianoforte Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN SOUNDING BOARDS FOR PIANOFORTES AND OTHER STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS." to be as follows:
This Invention is applicable to any musical instrument in which strings vibrate in connection with a sounding board, has for its object to render the sounding board a more perfect conservator of the vis viva of the vibrating strings, so that the particles of the string and sounding board when once set in motion continue to vibrate for a much longer period than is usual with instruments of that kind. To this end I construct the sounding board of two thicknesses or laminae of wood instead of, as usual, one only, so placed that the grain of one cross the grain of the other at an angle of ninety degrees or other large angle over its entire area, by which means I ensure equal elasticity in all directions. The sounding board so constructed may or may not be strengthened by bars as is usual in the pianoforte.
The advantages gained by this Invention are,1. A considerable increase in the capability of the instrument to prolong the tone after the first disturbing cause has ceased to act.
2. A great increase in the general elasticity of the sounding board, by which means a softer as well as a louder tone can be produced, thus affording great advantages for the production of delicate and refined effects.
3rd. Greater strength to resist the downward bearing of the strings resulting in the production of a more brilliant and powerful tone.
4th. A perfect safeguard against the defect known as a broken belly to which instruments of this kind are much subject if exposed continuously to the influence of damp.
French Polishing and Pianos
French polishing is a wood finishing technique used on pianos that result in a very high gloss finish, with a deep colour and chatoyancy. French polishing consists of applying many thin coats of shellac dissolved in denatured alcohol using a rubbing pad lubricated with one of a variety of oils. French polishing became prominent in the 18th century. In the Victorian era. There are some references to shellac in Europe as early as 1590, French polishing was most commonly used on expensive woods such as mahogany or walnut in order to preserve their beauty. Commonly French polished items at the time were impressive pieces of furniture or instruments because they were expected to look good at all times. The Pad is lubricated with oil that then becomes part of the overall finish. the oil helps to stop the pad from sticking and lifting previously applied layers of shellac. , Softer oils such as mineral oil will produce a glossier but less hard finish whereas more viscous oils such as walnut oil and olive oil will produce a more durable finish.
Cleaning French Polish and Pianos
If the item has been French polished, rubbing the surface with a soft, clean cloth is usually ample. You can also polish it now and then with a little wax or even with a tiny bit of furniture cream. Sticky marks should be removed immediately with a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water and then wrung out it needs to be damp, not soaking wet.