STYLE AND
FINISH
The case is made of
veneers of oak, walnut, or other outer finish. It has
a core made up of cross sections of another yet
cheaper form of wood, pressed wood, or chipped wood,
which are totally acceptable in and by today's
standard because they are for cosmetic appearance
only and should not wear out.
Next, is the beauty
of case design and finish. The standard cases are
made or finished in mahogany, walnut, ebony,
rosewood, oak, fruitwood, pecan or pine. The two
first named are the more popular. All are dependable
if the piano is well made. The manufacturing process
for pianos does not readily lend itself to
automation, due to variations in the acoustical
qualities in pieces of wood.
These variations
require skill in selecting the wood stock and
conditioning it to specific moisture levels. Many of
the other labor - intensive functions such as
voicing, tuning and regulation require skills based
on years of experience. For these reasons the piano
is still handcrafted in many respects.
The prospective
buyer of a piano who, relying upon his own judgment,
attempts to select an instrument soon discovers that
very many arguments may arise to perplex him in his
choice. As a rule, and with rare exceptions, it is
wise to buy of local dealers to whom you can, at any
time, have access should there arise necessity for
explanations or advice. And in dealing with the local
piano dealer, do not begrudge him a fair profit.
The piano dealer is
familiar with the instruments, and if he is a man who
is honest and reliable, you may depend upon what he
tells you concerning them. Having once decided upon
your piano, do not permit yourself to be disturbed by
the contradictory talk of any other person who may
decry your choice or declare that you have not made a
good bargain. In ninety-nine out of every hundred
cases, discontent is the result of disappointment
born of a competitor's defeat, and such attempted
interference is unworthy of consideration.
Copyright
© 2011 The "Original Bluebook of Pianos All Rights Reserved