Now with 2 prototypes completed, which demonstrated healing impacts on the brain and muscles, we focused on resolving the pressure issues. It was decided to construct the bridge using a combination of wood and stone. It was named after our son Nathan since he was half American and half Filipino. So was born The Nathan Piano.
Nathan Piano
Baldwin Walnut 5’2” Prototype #3 with Black Absolute Granite
The full stone bridge idea was abandoned after discovering that the rock could break. It was assumed the sound board could handle the 40,000 pounds of pressure front to back with 1,000 pounds down bearing pressure. This obstacle was overcome by making a few critical changes.
This was done by using the top pins that already existed and then constructing the stone bridge to be the same size as the factory specs, therefore keeping the weight down to a minimum. This proved to be successful, as the stone bridge did NOT break under pressure!
Another unique feature on this piano was engaging the upper bass section using stainless – steel instead of copper, which proved to be a fortuitous decision to engage them, as there was an interaction felt very strongly in the head, but interestingly with copper the feeling wasn’t there on the bass strings.
As of this writing the stainless - steel bass strings are no longer being manufactured, therefore this is the only granite piano prototype with that advancement. The search continues to find a supplier in the hope of producing more pianos with this special feature.