88 Keys - The Making of a Steinway Piano

by Miles Chapin

(Amadeus). More than 500 people are involved in the creation of just one of the world's greatest pianos, the Steinway. From the selection and aging of wood to the delicate voicing of the finished instrument, this special reissue of 88 Keys The Making of a Steinway Piano relates the story behind the instrument's intricate formation, as told by Miles Chapin, a fifth-generation descendant of Steinway's founder, Henry Engelhard Steinway. Readers will learn about how the piano gets its trademark curve, the "belly men" who fit the metal harp to the wooden frame, the carvers who shape the piano's legs and pedal lyre, and the many other craftspeople who have perfected their specialized contributions to the finished product. They'll also get an insider's look into the company's history against a timeline of major worldwide music events, and into the roles of piano greats, including Anton Rubinstein and Sergei Rachmaninoff, in contributing to its prominence. A glossary of technical terms is included. For music lovers, aspiring musicians, and pianists everywhere.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

143 pages, Hardcover

First published September 16, 1997

Reviews

[Hobbitviolinist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and informative.

[minhhai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A somewhat self-promoting book on piano making. It is a pleasant read for those interested in piano. The book outlines the piano making processes from materials to assembly and voicing, with a bit of history (of the piano and of Steinway & Sons) and personal anecdotes.

I enjoy reading the book, its storytelling voice and beautiful illustrations. However, the information it provides is fairly general and well-known for piano enthusiasts, can be readily found on YouTube. I wish it could have more special treatments on Steinway pianos such as why Steinway does this and that but other makers don't. Some parts describing the procedure are very hard to follow due to lack of necessary illustrations. The chapter on Voicing is completely useless; the author keeps saying it is a magical process without providing detail.

Overall, the book is useful for those who are interested in but quite new to the making of pianos, one of the most complicated hand-made machines of our time.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and complete history of Steinway pianos, going over their construction from the aging of the lumber to the voicing and finishing of the final instrument. One of the few library books I actually bought a copy of for myself.

[Lech Koper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting process of getting the piano. Aspecially the part of cutting a timber for processing. Many details but believe not all secrets were describe it in the book.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just what I was looking for. I was using it as research for a project I'm working on, and it was very straightforward, with a number of interesting tidbits that were completely new to me. I have a newfound respect for Steinway pianos and hope to own one someday!

[Julia]

Excellent quick study in the making of a great piano. Great history in piano-building, and photos and drawings of the first pianofortes, dulcimers, organs and harpsicords/clavicords.