P
pattye
Guest
Hi Steve,
Can you give us an update on the Custom Piano?
Pattye
so many pearls, so little time
Can you give us an update on the Custom Piano?
Pattye
so many pearls, so little time
Mother-of-pearl
- Thread starter Elsa
- Start date
SteveM
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2007
- Messages
- 1,967
Pattye,
My research into MOP piano keys focused upon finding Exhibition grade (highest level) shells which could be cut into 6" pieces observing the maximum tolerances as provided by keytop specialists currently working with legal ivory, mammouth tusk, etc. It turns out this length would be impossible without complex lamination (even from P. Maxima), and cutting the notched shapes would result in nearly 100% breakage. However 4" lengths are certainly possible, making production of two-piece keytops (no notches!) more than feasible.
My research took me from Brasil to Korea to Broome, Australia (a smallish family pearler there), while developing sympathetic and unique sources. One European manufacturer of world-class grand pianos, Bl?thner in Leipzig, is seriously looking at offering MOP keytops on special order as a result of my request. They have researched the historical precedents (harpsichords from the 17th and 18th centuries) for additional justification.
So I am satisfied that something may eventually result, at the highest level of craftsmanship and tradition, from this exercise!
Steve
Seattle
My research into MOP piano keys focused upon finding Exhibition grade (highest level) shells which could be cut into 6" pieces observing the maximum tolerances as provided by keytop specialists currently working with legal ivory, mammouth tusk, etc. It turns out this length would be impossible without complex lamination (even from P. Maxima), and cutting the notched shapes would result in nearly 100% breakage. However 4" lengths are certainly possible, making production of two-piece keytops (no notches!) more than feasible.
My research took me from Brasil to Korea to Broome, Australia (a smallish family pearler there), while developing sympathetic and unique sources. One European manufacturer of world-class grand pianos, Bl?thner in Leipzig, is seriously looking at offering MOP keytops on special order as a result of my request. They have researched the historical precedents (harpsichords from the 17th and 18th centuries) for additional justification.
So I am satisfied that something may eventually result, at the highest level of craftsmanship and tradition, from this exercise!
Steve
Seattle
P
pattye
Guest
Thanks Steve,
A Majorly Huge Project, and so exciting!! That gives me goose bumps! I would drive to Seattle to see it when it is unveiled!
Pattye
so many pearls, so little time
A Majorly Huge Project, and so exciting!! That gives me goose bumps! I would drive to Seattle to see it when it is unveiled!
Pattye
so many pearls, so little time
