1835.] the strain of the wires in Pianos. 647 



k, fig. 1, on which, in the absence of a metal plate, the strings are 

 hooked, is also, by the tension of the wires, liable to separate from 

 the end plank M. In two instances, where this had occurred, previous 

 to applying the rods, bolts with their heads resting inside at jj were 

 passed through the block k, plank M, and a broad substantial plate 

 of polished brass N, on the outside of which they were evenly 

 ri vetted. 



The foregoing plan for keeping piano-fortes straight was, I have 

 been informed, mentioned to Messrs. Broadwood and Co. in Lon- 

 don ; but from what they said, I am inclined to think, was in the 

 absence of drawings, or written description, imperfectly explained to 

 them. They observed, that " they found the iron bar, as offering 

 a resistance to the pull of the strings of the piano-forte, would best 

 effect the purpose." If the iron bar here alluded to is that which 

 props between the block bearing the turning pegs and the metal plate 

 on which the strings are hooked, it must be well known to those who 

 are conversant with the mechanism of piano-fortes, that although it 

 may be of some service, it is quite inadequate to prevent warping in 

 India. A piano that had warped an inch and a quarter, but which 

 had been fitted with one of those bars, was straightend by weight 

 and other means, and secured with a set of three rods, when the iron 

 bar, no longer reaching its original bearings, required to be lengthened 

 before it could be again applied. 



The rods have been successfully applied to five piano-fortes, and 

 approved of by judges competent as well by their musical as by their 

 mechanical skill. Although possessing powerful command over the 

 instrument, they do not, as it may be supposed solid iron bars would, 

 at all check, as far as the vibrations of sound are concerned, the 

 elasticity of the pianos. 



When a piano-forte warps, a corresponding twist is gradually com- 

 municated to all the keys, throwing them out of their places, and caus- 

 ing them to stick : it also detaches the hammers partially from their 

 own strings, and makes them touch those of the neighbouring notes ; 

 thus occasioning an unpleasant discord. 



Piano-fortes would probably, without detriment to their tone, be 

 greatly preserved and defended against the effects of climate, parti- 

 cularly the damp atmosphere of the rainy season in India, by the 

 application of good oil varnish, such as is used by coach-makers, 

 not only to the under sides and backs of pianos, which are invariably 

 found in the state left by the joiner's plane, but also to the beds, 

 side, ends, and blocks within, wherever it can be spread, prior to the 

 putting in of the sounding board, keys, dampers, &c. &c, 

 4 o 2 



