GB190301368A - An Improved Device for Tuning Pianos and other Keyed Musical Instruments. - Google Patents

Abstract

1368. Fitzpatrick, H. D., [Rosencrantz, 1. B., and Lanyon, R. H.]. Jan. 20. Tuning.-Relates to means for obtaining equal temperament in instruments such as pianofortes. Fig. 3 is a plan, and Fig. 5 a cross-section. A soundboard A is carried by supports B which rest on the keys of a pianoforte. A keyboard E is pivoted by arms e<2> to the soundboard, and is acted on by a spring f<1>, which tends to keep it raised. The keyboard carries thirteen pushes k corresponding in number to the keys comprised within a single octave, the pushes being connected to pads k<3> which act on the keys of the pianoforte. The keyboard E is also connected at one side with an action similar to that of a pianoforte, and including a hammer h' which strikes a string C when the keyboard is depressed. This action can be thrownout of operation by a lever l. The string C can be stopped so as to give any required note within the octave by a sliding block D which can be adjusted to the. required position by a scale i<1>. When the device is in position and the block D adjusted, the push k corresponding to the note indicated on the scale i<1> is depressed. This not only sounds the piano string, but also depresses the keyboard E, and thus sounds the string C, and the notes can be compared. The other octaves of the piano are tuned from the octave tuned as above described, but the action for sounding the. string C is disconnected during this part of the operation.