ANATOMY OF A STEINWAY

The few hours I spent at the Steinway Piano Factory, has elevated my appreciation of the instrument to soaring heights. It was a most fascinating experience to see how these pianos are made, and why all the parts of the process are so integral to the beauty and richness of the sound they produce.

Over the years, Steinway has been in the forefront of innovation. Each step of the manufacturing process is an art form that has been scientifically conceived with the ultimate goal of building a better sounding instrument. The methods, materials and systems were invented and patented by Steinway, thus earning them their respected position of being the finest piano manufacturer in the history of instrument.

The very factory that we toured was filled with working artisans, exceptionally dedicated to their piece of the production process. It was a true joy to see the magnificent attention to detail that each piece of the piano receives and has since Steinway was founded in 1853.

"Excellence is in the details" which is truly the gospel.

Located a few blocks away from La Guardia Airport, the current Steinway factory building was built in 1870 and currently employs about 300 people. The tour started outside the building, in the parking lot, where we were shown the proximity of the building to the water. Years ago, wooden logs were floated in to the facility, dried out in their kiln - which we also visited, and made into the wood pieces used for the pianos. As for the composition of the keys, it was confirmed that ivory is no longer used since laws were passed in the 60's.

"Tickling the ivories" is still a common expression though!

ABOVE IMAGE IS OF THE CAST-IRON PLATE STEINWAY DEVELOPED. THESE ARE MADE OF METAL, AS OPPOSED TO    THE STANDARD WOODEN CONSTRUCTION, WHICH ALLOW THE STRINGS TO BE PULLED TIGHTER,

FOR AN ENHANCED SOUND QUALITY.

These are rims, standing at attention and waiting for the next step.

Here is the cast-iron plate being fitted after it was hoisted and lowered into the body of a 9 foot concert grand.

The Carving Shop

A proud craftsman, Santi Auriti, is standing by his recent creation.

Those are piano legs upside-down on the shelf, waiting to be put onto an instrument. Each detailed leg is actually created from 4 pieces of wood that are masterfully glued together in a special manner to insure that over time the wood won't dry out and warp causing instability to the support of the instrument.

When you see a piano with carved details around the body the embellishments are initially carved into a small straight piece of wood. That detail strip is left in a steam machine overnight, to add moisture and make the wood as flexible as a piece of paper. In the morning, the soggy carved wood detail is put into a curved mold to dry out and harden with the exact shape needed and then glued/clamped into place, around the edge of the body.

Black is still the most popular color. Here the finish is drying.

Some of the other finishes are stunning.

Pick your favorite:

Santos Rosewood, East Indian Rosewood, Macassar Ebony, Mahogany or Walnut - to just name a few.

Last week, Steinway announced the creation of a limited edition line commemorating the 70th birthday of  John Lennon.

The pianos will be all white. Initially one of each size will be produced but more will be available to order and take a year to create. This is one of the first in production.

And yes, that's me leaning on my dream birthday present. Hint, hint.

Here is a detail artwork that appears on the soundboard. There are 4 different music designs available, all based on the artwork of John Lennon. Yoko Ono, of course, was involved in the creation of the line.

If you are all thumbs, like me, but want to fill you home with the sound of live music, Steinway has been progressive in partnering with www.pianodisc.com. You can plug your IPOD into a device on the piano which converts the instrument into a player piano. A stretch from having the talent to play, but filling your home with the beautiful sound of a Steinway has been made easily attainable.

Just another indication of how progressive the oldest piano company has been and still is, in order to earn their esteemed world class reputation.

This was our group.

Left to Right: Jill, Gordon, Anne, David, June, Jeanne, Tara, Me, Dede, Laurie, Mike and another visitor.

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Our sincere thanks to:

Gordon McNelly, for sharing his world of knowledge in such an eloquent manner

Jill Simon, for her concept and coordination of the tour

Ron Rosby, President of Steinway & Sons, for his musical interlude and making us all feel so welcomed