The modern pianoforte is a complex instrument, but this book makes it seem simple as it clearly and concisely shows the layman how a pianoforte is built.Every step in the construction of a pianoforte is analyzed, and all the principles that underlie the various construction processes are thoroughly explained. Beginning chapters describe the modern pianoforte and its evolution, the laws of sound in connection with the pianoforte, and the acoustics of pianoforte strings. Then, the important principles involved with the musical scale and equal temperament are presented. Next is a discussion of pianoforte strings and their proper dimensions, the resonance apparatus, the frame (both grand and upright), and the touch mechanism. The chapter on the touch mechanism is particularly extensive, including illustrations of the standard American grand and upright mechanism actions and those of many of the earlier actions. Following it are very detailed chapters on the regulations of the touch mechanism and tuning: they enable anyone, with a little manual skill and sufficient practice, to tune and repair his own piano. The book concludes with the draughting of the pianoforte scale and two appendices, one on the development of the player piano and one on the small grand. The author spent two years preparing this book, researching his material and distilling his information into the clearest everyday language with a minimum of technical terms. The result was a classic description of the theory and practice of building a piano that is still up-to-date today. It is a uniformly excellent book for anyone who wants to tune or repair his own piano, is thinking of building a piano or other keyboard instrument (harpsichord, Viennese piano, etc.), or just wants a greater understanding of how a piano works. - Back cover.