How an upright piano is made
Upright pianos are pianos that have all the mechanics placed in the vertical plane. They are relatively cheaper models than a grand piano and are intended for houses with less physical space.
The sonority of vertical pianos is somewhat lower than that of grand pianos but there are several qualities. And also various prices. But you can find grand pianos from 2000 or 3000 €, prices much more affordable than the 15,000 € that usually costs a grand piano.
Elements of an upright piano
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An upright piano has the same elements as a grand piano because the philosophy is the same. The main difference is that the pieces are placed in the vertical rather than the horizontal plane. The main elements of an upright piano are:
- The keyboard: Formed by weighted keys of synthetic plastic that simulate the touch of ivory.
- The hammers: Connected with the keys, when a key is pressed a hammer connected to it falls and hits one of the strings that generates the musical note with its vibration.
- The pegbox: This is the end closest to the keyboard and where the ends of the strings are “rolled up”. The pegbox is the system that tensions them at different pressures perfectly calibrated.
- Bridges: From the pegbox, the strings go tense up to the bridges, where the other end is inserted, so that they can vibrate freely. These bridges are glued to the harmonic board.
- Harmonic Table: It is a metal table, which collects the vibrations that reach the bridges through the strings and are amplified with the vibration transmitted to the harmonic table. It’s a sound amplifier.
- Pedals: serve to regulate the vibration of the strings. The most important is the sharp one that blocks the system in charge of stopping the vibration of the strings. So that the rope continues to vibrate even if the corresponding key is released.
The manufacturing process of an upright piano
The first thing is to create the main frame. Woods are used such as maple among others.
Then, the harmonic board and the bridges are placed, as well as a metal plate that helps to fix them. Putting these pieces together is a process that has to be done with absolute precision.
In this point the lateral woods are placed and the piano already begins to have the majority of its profiled structure.
The keyboard, hammers and pegbox are then placed. The pegs will give tension to the strings (similar to a guitar system). Each pin withstands an enormous strain so industrial robots are used for placing the strings.
Pins being placed with industrial robot in upright piano
After placing the pegs and inserting the other end of the strings into the bridge, the tuning begins by means of specialized operators. In addition, all the other mechanisms must be regulated, such as the clubs, so that the force with which the strings hit is adequate.
The hammer system and the keyboard are almost the last elements to be put on and regulated. The masses system requires calibration and each part has to be perfectly positioned.
So that the keys have a weight and return to their place inside they carry metallic weights. This is what is called the Hammer Action system and it is what gives the special touch when playing the piano. This sensation is what a digital piano has to simulate perfectly in order to be used as a studio or professional piano.
Calibration of the hammer system
Adjustment of the keys and the Hammer Action
With the previous steps the manufacture of a piano is finished, now only remains to polish the details such as painting and the like. Here you have the complete video of the manufacture of a upright piano. In the video we can see the rigorous controls needed to produce one of these wonderful musical instruments.
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