Scan 225
The American history and encyclopedia of music .., 1908
7 lines. Read by computer on 8 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 183. See the scan on archive.org.
1Use of the wrist was acquired and consequently the fingers were converted into veritable hammers capable of striking the keys with much force, so that the more energetic performers were in danger of snapping the weak strings as they brought forth the melody. Attention was thus directed to the strings and the knowledge of metal composition and wire drawing has advanced in rapid strides during the past century. In 1775, blued steel strings had been adopted in preference to the imperfect wire formerly in use, as they did not rust as easily and were capable of producing a much fuller tone. Now the best wire is highly specialized and comes from Germany.
3In 1833, overstringing was introduced in square and upright pianofortes. The bass strings were placed diagonally across the treble, affording them greater length and equalizing the strain produced by the tension. The bridge could also be placed nearer the center of the sounding-board, allowing a better tone. This system was in general use in America for fully two years before European makers adopted it. Jonas Chickering, about 1853, combined this over-stringing with the iron frame and the most essential features of the modern pianoforte had come into existence. Nevertheless, invention has in no wise ceased in connection with the instrument, for every maker is striving to further perfect some part in order that his pianoforte may excel all others, and commercialism is assisting art. Although every workshop is equipped with massive machinery for sawing, clamping and casting, the pianoforte requires more hand work than perhaps any similar product of man's ingenuity. one of two readings
4In 1833, overstringing was introduced in square and upright pianofortes. The bass strings were placed diagonally across the treble, affording them greater length and equalizing the strain produced by the tension. The bridge could also be placed nearer the center of the sounding-board, allowing a better tone. This system was in general use in America for fully two years before European makers adopted it. Jonas Chickering, about 1853, combined this overstringing with the iron frame and the most essential features of the modern pianoforte had come into existence. Nevertheless, invention has in no wise ceased in connection with the instrument, for every maker is striving to further perfect some part in order that his pianoforte may excel all others, and commercialism is assisting art. Although every workshop is equipped with massive machinery for sawing, clamping and casting, the pianoforte requires more hand work than perhaps any similar product of man's ingenuity. one of two readings
6The pianoforte stands as the instrument which is played upon most generally and the mechanism of which its player understands the least. The construction is complicated and each successive feature must be exactly mapped out by a draftsman before it reaches the workman. The tonal qualities of the least important parts must be considered while the designing is in progress. The wood must be selected, the iron must be cast, and the few bolts placed to the best
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.