BRACES

4 solid spruce braces with a volume of 1,995 cu. in. (32,686 cm³); Spruce provides tensile strength with less weight. Maple dowels fasten braces to rim producing a single homogenous foundation upon which is built the entire tonal component. A cast iron treble bell, affixed to rim’s underside at treble bend, holds plate firmly in position by means of a steel bolt. The Steinway & Sons iron wedge anchors brace ends securely to cross block assuring permanent rim posture.

SCALE

Overstrung; combination agraffe; Front AND rear duplex.
Tension: 39,047 lbs. (17,571 kg)

RIBS

Made from durable, resinous sugar pine to assure strong and constant support of string down-bearing on the soundboard; rib ends are hand-fitted.

TUNING PINS

Premium blued steel; rust-resistant, nickelled heads.

STRINGS

Treble: Twelve whole & one-half sizes from high-tensile Swedish steel.
Bass: Swedish steel core wire wound with pure copper.
Longest: Agraffe/bridge: 151 cm.

HAMMERS

Premium wool top felt and under felt; treated to resist insects and moisture. Compression-wired to maintain permanent shape. Hard rock maple hammer mouldings and shanks.

DAMPERS

Horizontal-cut premium wool for effective dampening with maple heads for endurance.

KEYS

European spruce, individually weighed-off. Chip-proof, stain-resistant coverings for naturals; slip-proof, abraded ebonized sharps. Durable Linden wood buttons reinforce keys over balance rail, permitting maximum tonal power with every strike. Longest key: 53.3 cm.

KEYBED

Made from planks of quarter-sawn spruce. Horizontal and vertical birch planks present a vented system for humidity escapement. Crowned and reverse-crowned action frame gives a snug fit, intensifies key movement and prevents “slapping” during heavy playing. Large maple dowel ends provide a solid mount for adjustable brass touch-regulating screws. Thickness: 4.45 cm.

PEDALS

Heavy, solid brass. Soft, sustaining, and full sostenuto.