Long Piano

[Subdeacon Joe]

https://www.themusicman.uk/the-alexander-piano/

 

"In 2004, Adrian Alexander Mann wondered how long would the bass strings have to be without the copper wire to hit the right notes. His piano teacher had no idea, so the 15-year-old Adrian decided to figure it out himself.

The first thing he did was purchase some piano wire and strung it up in his backyard. It was around 22 feet, but the sound was amazing. So, the next step was to build a huge piano to hold the length of the wire and keep the amazing sound. Over the next 5 years, Mann came across difficulties that required a lot of problem-solving and dedication. But, in 2009, his hard work paid off and his piano was complete. The Alexander Piano is 18ft 9 inches, weighing over a metric ton. Here is what a long piano sounds like."

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

nice but realize that the sound you are listening to on your computer/phone/whatever is not accurate.

[Rye Miles #13621]

This guy needed lots of help to build this! The cast steel plate or harp, the cabinet itself had to be made by a master craftsman, all the parts had to be either made or ordered to fit. This guy didn't do anything but have the idea. If this was such a great idea Steinway or Bosendorfer or even Yamaha would have done this years ago. I hope he has fun with this new toy! I'll bet it doesn't sound any better than a 9' Steinway or Bosendorfer concert grand!

 

If I got this right the bass strings don't have copper winding which is essential in making the bass sound good. Like I said Steinway or Bosendorfer would have done this already.

[Subdeacon Joe]

I just thought it was an interesting project, especially how long the strings would have to be.  It's not a doctoral dissertation on the future of pianos.

[Rye Miles #13621]

5 minutes ago, Subdeacon Joe said:

I just thought it was an interesting project, especially how long the strings would have to be.  It's not a doctoral dissertation on the future of pianos.

Yea I've read about this from several sources and to me it's a big waste of time! 

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

1 hour ago, Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 said:

nice but realize that the sound you are listening to on your computer/phone/whatever is not accurate.

and my tin ear didn't help, either.

[Rye Miles #13621]

21 minutes ago, Subdeacon Joe said:

I just thought it was an interesting project, especially how long the strings would have to be.  It's not a doctoral dissertation on the future of pianos.

I guess because I've been a piano tuner/technician for 37 years I'm more skeptical than the average person.  

[Subdeacon Joe]

53 minutes ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

Yea I've read about this from several sources and to me it's a big waste of time! 

 

Yep.  Most "Gee, I wonder..." projects are.

"Geee....I wonder if I can build a trebuchet that can throw a VE bus?"

 

"Geee ..I wonder if I can make a ballista that can use a telephone pole as the projectile?"

 

 

[Rye Miles #13621]

1 minute ago, Subdeacon Joe said:

 

Yep.  Most "Gee, I wonder..." projects are.

"Geee....I wonder if I can build a trebuchet that can throw a VE bus?"

 

"Geee ..I wonder if I can make a ballista that can use a telephone pole as the projectile?"

 

 

I guess my point is that there is piano rebuilders and trained technicians all over the world and this 15 yr old comes up with a stupid idea and gets all kinds of attention for something that will never be anything but a fluke. All the improvements in pianos over it's 300 + yr history and none of it gets any attention. Thank you internet!

[Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103]

9 minutes ago, Subdeacon Joe said:

 

Yep.  Most "Gee, I wonder..." projects are.

"Geee....I wonder if I can build a trebuchet that can throw a VE bus?"

 

"Geee ..I wonder if I can make a ballista that can use a telephone pole as the projectile?"

 

 

(eyes light up)

(evil cackle)

(dry-washes hands)

Ooooo ... a ballista big enough to launch creosote soaked cedar ... now where did I put that slide rule?

 

[J-BAR #18287]

My smart tv can play Youtube videos.  The tv sound is connected to my stereo system so I could get a wider dynamic range when playing the videos.  Bookshelf speakers on either side gave good bass sound.  It sounded great to me!  Thanks.

 

 

Even the cat enjoyed it!

 

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

Book is why you have the “Bookshelf” speakers, right? 

 

(Explanation to the Saloon - Book is the name of J-Bar’s cat, hence the horrible pun)