Piano design factors—Their influence on tone and acoustical performance
Harold A. Conklin · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 1987
Major design factors that affect significantly the tone and acoustical performance of the modem mechano-acoustic piano are reviewed and the influence of each on the performance of the instrument is briefly described or illustrated. Elements discussed include the string plate, the soundboard, the ribs, the bridges, the “scale,” the strings, the hammers, the frame, the case, and the lid. Some directions are suggested for future work to improve performance. The presentation is from the perspective of the instrument designer.