Build Your Own Piano:

By Sharon Grehan-Howes

 

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Choose the correct string thickness for each pin. Every string end is wound around the top of the tuning pin exactly two and one-half turns or whatever you have time for.

When it is completely strung, grab a coffee or a Fresca and let it sit awhile to stabilize.

Now just build the outside of the piano. Traditional shapes work best, but an unusually shaped piano is much more interesting.

Now you have to produce the keys and hammers Take a block of felt ( or an old coat) and trim the pieces to the desired hammer shape then slice into individual hammerfelts.

Wrap and glue the finished hammers to a wooden hammer core. Then you mount them on a small wooden dowel.

Everything is then mounted on each of the 88 actions sections, one for each key. If you are building a tiny piano, then use 44 -22 keys.

You then saw the piano keys into 88 (or 44-22) from one slab of wood. Carefully glue and trim the black and white keytops to the desired dimensions before installing.

Check out you height, spacing and alignment then install the keys and hammers, now you will begin "action regulation" which is a series of fine adjustments, but if you're running late it is not completely necessary.

Now a bit of sanding, staining polishing and—

VOILA, you've built a piano!!!!!