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The iron frame, also called the "plate", sits atop the soundboard, and serves as the primary bulwark against the force of string tension. The iron frame was the ultimate solution to the problem of structural integrity as the strings were gradually made thicker, tenser, and more numerous (in a modern grand the total string tension can approach 20 tons). The single piece cast iron frame was patented in 1825 in Boston by Alpheus Babcock, combining the metal hitch pin plate (1821, claimed by Broadwood on behalf of Samuel Hervé) and resisting bars (Thom and Allen, 1820, but also claimed by Broadwood and Érard). Babcock later worked for the Chickering & Mackays firm which patented the first full iron frame for grand pianos (1843). Composite forged metal frames were preferred by many European makers until the American system was fully adopted by the early 20th century.

The piano is a crucial instrument in Western classical music, jazz, film, television, and most other complex western musical genres. Since a large number of composers are proficient pianists--and because the piano keyboard offers an easy means of complex melodic and harmonic interplay--the piano is often used as a tool for composition. Pianos were, and still are, popular instruments for private household ownership, especially among the middle and upper classes. Hence, pianos have gained a place in the popular consciousness, and are sometimes referred to by nicknames including: "the ivories", "the joanna", "the eighty-eight", and "the black(s) and white(s)", "the little joe(s)". Playing the piano is sometimes referred to as "tickling the ivories".

Since the 1980s, digital pianos have been available, which use digital sampling technology to reproduce the sound of each piano note. The best digital pianos are sophisticated, with features including working pedals, weighted keys, multiple voices, and MIDI interfaces. However, with current technology, it remains difficult to duplicate a crucial aspect of acoustic pianos, namely that when the damper pedal (see below) is depressed, the strings not struck vibrate sympathetically when other strings are struck as well as the unique instrument-specific mathematical non-linearity of partials on any given unison. Since this sympathetic vibration is considered central to a beautiful piano tone, in many experts' estimation digital pianos still do not compete with the best acoustic pianos in tone quality. Progress is being made in this area by including physical models of sympathetic vibration in the synthesis software.

Tips to Buy Used Piano From a Piano Store
Should I have any concerns about buying a used Kawai from Japan? • Were these pianos made differently from those made for the US market?

Buying A Used Piano (Creative & Culture: Piano)
How to buy a good used piano will give you the piano knowledge you need

WikiAnswers - Should you buy a used piano
We buy used Grand and Baby Grand pianos exclusively.If a sale is contracted, the piano will be paid for promptly and professionally removed.

Buying a Used Piano
Top questions and answers about Buying-Used-Piano.Find 31 questions and answers about Buying-Used-Piano at Ask.com Read more.

Used Pianos
.Buying used pianos simply saves you money, gives you a larger variety of options, and gives you many advantages depending on what type of piano you are looking for

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Chicago Piano Dealer - American Music World

Buying a used piano can be a bad experience. Many used pianos are very old and more times than not they have had little or no regular maintenance and tuning during their lifetime.

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Please view our "How much are Pianos?" page for more extensive information on buying a used piano! Email us at info@chicagopianos.com

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Buying a used piano? Get to know the bad guys first. click on the "Wanted" sign above. Handcrafted Estonia Grand Pianos. Designer European pianos rated higher than Kawai, Yamaha, Boston ...

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Tips On Buying a Used Piano: Price Guide for Used Pianos & Keyboards

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Kawai Technical Support Division

Should I have any concerns about buying a used Kawai from Japan? • Were these pianos made differently from those made for the US market? • Will replacement parts be difficult to obtain?

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