Abstract: The object of the invention is a device and a method for damping of aliquot tones, which solve the technical problem of the damping of aliquot tones in instruments that have a large number of strings (6) mounted between two fastening points (7) of the string, wherein a musician does not touch the strings (6) with his fingers or with a hand-held accessory. Such instruments are for instance the piano and the upright piano. The invention is technically configured in a way that the string (6) proximal to one of both fastening points (7) of the string, via the actuator (4), is pressed with the pressing material (2) which is preferably an elastic material, wherein the pressing of the pressing material (2) causes the damping of aliquot tones.

Abstract: A universal piano action having a minimum number of identical parts interchangeable in upright and grand pianos, under and above the tensioned strings and effecting rapid repetition in upright and grand pianos, this universal piano action responds to every strenght of touch evoking sounds from a whisper to thunder. In this universal piano action the hammers can be positioned to any at rest position, to any proximity in respect to the tensioned strings for a sensitive control of sound, permitting practice playing with a normal strenght of piano key touch without disturbing.

Abstract: A combination acoustic mode and electronic mode grand piano is provided including a hammer shank stop rail that intercepts the hammer shank when operating in its electronic mode, so that the hammer cannot complete its normal travel to strike its corresponding string(s) when its key is actuated. The positioning of the hammer shank stop rail is actuated by a user-operated control that, when placed into the "acoustic" mode, raises the hammer shank stop rail to a non-engaged position that does not interfere with the normal movements of the hammer shank. When in the "electronic" mode, the control lowers the hammer shank stop rail into an engaged position where it intercepts the hammer shanks of the piano, thereby preventing each hammer head from striking its respective string(s).