Yamaha G3 1991 6’1” Grand sound test against Francis Bacon 1930’s 4’9” Baby Grand

This early test on sustain was to determine how the sustain compared in an old, low quality 4' 9" Francis Bacon (Prototype 0 with a granite bridge of 15 keys) to a quality 6’1” Yamaha grand standard factory install wood bridge piano.

The middle C# note was hit with equal force on both pianos to generate the maximum signal each piano could produce. A 6’1” Yamaha grand should sound longer and stronger than a 4’9” Francis Bacon in the natural “wood bridge” world (basically all pianos). Surprisingly, the following video clearly demonstrated the hold power (sustain) that granite could deliver.

Subsequently, our next project was given the green light to proceed and chose a Baldwin 6’3” 1903 as our next test on a full piano. This became Prototype #1 with full granite in the bridge across all 88 notes.

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STUDY ON PIANO SOUND TRANSMISSION

Objective: To invent a better piano.
Piano: Francis Bacon 4’9” baby grand (off brand lowest quality)
Condition: Piano was old and past its usefulness, or acceptable tone.
Material: Utilized granite to transfer the vibration in specific areas in the instrument.
Results: Sound production was off the charts, and never heard before harmonics appeared.
Sound flowed and sustained so beautifully it seemed incredible.

Conclusion:
Our research and development team has formulated comparison studies on how granite and wooden bridges impact tonal qualities of the piano.

Consequently, we have documented some remarkable findings in showing how the sound board crown, multiple string unisons, fall-off sound, pitch duration, sustainability of sounds, and upper registers are all affected.

These results can be invaluable when constructing instruments of the highest caliber when it comes to tonal voicing and cost of production.

The granite-based bridges have yielded beneficial effects by:

  1. Increasing longevity/integrity of the sound board crown
  2. Intensifying the volume so that dependence on multiple string unisons is not crucial
  3. Minimizing fall-off sound thus making the tone less percussive
  4. Stabilizing actual pitch duration without it wavering
  5. Producing noticeably longer sustainability which contributes to slower decay rates
  6. Maintaining tonal strength and vibrancy in the upper registers
  7. Harmonics that have never been heard before which go beyond the fundamentals
  8. Truer tone allowing cords to be played higher and lower on the keyboard with clarity

Ultimately, there are major implications for the design and structure due to:

  1. Sound board crowns would maintain shape (rock) and not flatten out
  2. Weight of pianos could be lightened due to lessening pressure of unisons
  3. Classification of the piano as a percussion instrument might be rethought
  4. Instruments could stay in tune longer
  5. Smaller size keyboards would sound better
  6. Treble registers would be more bell-like thereby needing extra dampers for control
  7. The hard of hearing would be able hear the piano better due to treble sustaining
  8. Bass notes would not distort as easily or fast, with increased clarity as a result.