Abstract: A piano selectively playable in normal and soft modes has multiple piano keys and actions, including a wippen assembly, and multiple piano hammers. A soft pedal system includes a soft pedal and a hammer rest rail mounted for movement between normal and soft mode positions. A piano key lift rail is mounted for movement between a normal mode position spaced from lifting contact with the keys and a soft mode position in contact with and lifting the keys and the wippen assemblies. A soft pedal linkage assembly between the soft pedal and the hammer rest rail and piano key lift rail, upon actuation of the soft pedal, causes movement of hammer rest rail and piano hammers, and movement of the piano keys and the wippen assemblies, between normal and soft mode positions, in gap-closing motion.

Abstract: A piano selectably playable in normal and soft mode includes multiple piano keys and multiple piano actions associated with the piano keys. Each piano action includes a piano hammer assembly and a piano wippen assembly actuated by depression of a corresponding piano key. Also included are multiple piano hammers, each mounted for rotating movement and defining a forward throw direction toward one or more corresponding piano string, and driven by a corresponding piano wippen assembly to transmit force applied to an associated piano key. One bridle strap, in a set of bridle straps, connects a piano hammer to a corresponding piano wippen assembly. A key lifting assembly in engagement with the piano keys and an associated bridle strap under tension cooperatively bring corresponding piano keys and piano wippen assemblies together in gap-closing movement.

Abstract: A piano hammer stopper system includes a stopper rail set comprising at least first and second stopper rail members, each movable between respective first positions allowing unobstructed movement of associated piano hammers and respective second positions stopping at least one associated piano hammer from striking any corresponding string. At least one drive shaft is rotatably coupled to one or both of the stopper rail members. A drive arm is attached to the drive shaft and engages a drive fulcrum. A travel guide directs movement of the first and second stopper rail members between respective first and second positions. Rotation of the drive shaft rotates the drive arm to engage the drive fulcrum for moving one or both of the first and second stopper rail members between respective first and second positions.

Abstract: A piano hammer stopper system includes a blocking rail movable between a first position, allowing unobstructed movement of piano hammers, and a second position, blocking at least one piano hammer from striking any corresponding strings. The piano hammer stopper system includes a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the blocking rail, a drive arm attached to the drive shaft and engaging a drive fulcrum, and a travel guide directing movement of the blocking rail between its first and second positions. Rotation of the drive shaft rotates the drive arm to engage the drive fulcrum for moving the blocking rail between its first and second positions.

Abstract: A piano, playable in an acoustic mode and a silent mode, includes a series of keys, a series of key actions, and a series of rotatable hammers. Each key action is actuated by depression of a corresponding key. Each hammer defines a forward throw direction and has a corresponding string. The hammers are driven by corresponding key actions transferring forces from corresponding keys. The piano includes a hammer stopper system that has a blocking rail slidably disposed forward of the hammers. A linear actuator moves the blocking rail along a substantially linear path between a first position, allowing unobstructed movement of the hammers, and a second position blocking at least one hammer from striking its corresponding string. The linear actuator moves the blocking rail to the first position for acoustic play and to the second position for silent play.

Abstract: A piano hammer stopper system includes a blocking rail movable between a first position, allowing unobstructed movement of piano hammers, and a second position, blocking at least one piano hammer from striking any corresponding strings. The piano hammer stopper system includes a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the blocking rail, a drive arm attached to the drive shaft and engaging a drive fulcrum, and a travel guide directing movement of the blocking rail between its first and second positions. Rotation of the drive shaft rotates the drive arm to engage the drive fulcrum for moving the blocking rail between its first and second positions.

Abstract: A wrestplank for use in a stringed instrument including first and second median working plies stacked in between first and second outer working plies. Each working ply defines a direction of grain. The working plies collectively define a tuning pin hole configured to securely receive a tuning pin, whereby the tuning pin is substantially surrounded by and in engagement with end wood of the working plies. The directions of grain of the outer working plies are oriented substantially parallel with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the wrestplank. The grain direction of the first median working ply is oriented at an angle of between about 60° and about 75° with respect to the longitudinal axis, and the grain direction of the second median working ply is oriented at an angle of between about 105° and about 120° with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A wrestplank for use in a stringed instrument including first and second median working plies stacked in between first and second outer working plies. Each working ply defines a direction of grain. The working plies collectively define a tuning pin hole configured to securely receive a tuning pin, whereby the tuning pin is substantially surrounded by and in engagement with end wood of the working plies. The directions of grain of the outer working plies are oriented substantially parallel with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the wrestplank. The grain direction of the first median working ply is oriented at an angle of between about 60° and about 75° with respect to the longitudinal axis, and the grain direction of the second median working ply is oriented at an angle of between about 105° and about 120° with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An upright piano includes a piano case having an upper front panel, a left side panel, a right side panel, and a top lid. The upper front panel is pivotally mounted below and generally abutting the top lid. A keyboard is supported by the piano case and has a plurality of keys. A keyboard lid has a width substantially equal to a width of the upper front panel. The piano includes left and right upper front panel strips disposed on the corresponding left and right side panels. The upper front panel is pivotally attached to the left and right upper front panel strips to rotate between a closed position and an open position. The upper front panel is substantially parallel to and substantially in between the left and right upper front panel strips while in the closed position.

Abstract: An upright piano includes a piano case having an upper front panel, a left side panel, a right side panel, and a top lid. The upper front panel is pivotally mounted below and generally abutting the top lid. A keyboard is supported by the piano case and has a plurality of keys. A keyboard lid has a width substantially equal to a width of the upper front panel. The piano includes left and right upper front panel strips disposed on the corresponding left and right side panels. The upper front panel is pivotally attached to the left and right upper front panel strips to rotate between a closed position and an open position. The upper front panel is substantially parallel to and substantially in between the left and right upper front panel strips while in the closed position.

Abstract: A wrestplank includes first and second outer working plies, and at least seven median working plies stacked therebetween. Each working ply defines a direction of grain. The working plies collectively define a tuning pin hole configured to securely receive a tuning pin. The directions of grain of the outer working plies are oriented substantially parallel with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the wrestplank. The directions of grain of two of the median working plies are oriented at an angle of between about 60° and about 75° with respect to the longitudinal axis. The directions of grain of two of the median working plies are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the directions of grain of two of the working plies are oriented at an angle of between about 105° and about 120° with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A damper assembly for a piano includes a rail assembly with an adjustable mount for mounting the rail assembly to the piano case, and a plurality of underlevers coupled to the rail assembly. The rail assembly is configured for vertical adjustment relative to the case, for example, continuous adjustment (in which the rail assembly can define a vertical slot) or discrete adjustment (in which the rail assembly defines discrete openings arranged vertically). The adjustable mount includes mounting blocks, and the rail is mounted to the blocks for rotation relative to the blocks. The mounting blocks each define an adjustment slot. A method of simultaneously adjusting a plurality of piano underlevers in a piano includes mounting a damper assembly to a piano case with an adjustable mount, and adjusting the position of a rail assembly of the damper assembly relative to the case.