![]() ![]() With rib-crowning, the curvature of the board is supported by a machined-in curve along the tops of the ribs. One preference I have for Chickering over Steinway is in their use of rib-crowning for the soundboard, where Steinway has used compression crowning methods. I've seen yacht-tailed concert grands with soundboards very nearly as wide as the Boesendorfer Imperial. Like the Masons, the original Chickerings had massive rims and bracing. ![]() The tail of my concert grand is only slightly narrower than the unusually wide tail of the original Mason CC prior to their narrower versions in CC1 and CC2. The 109c and 116 are much heavier plates. I just tend to prefer the heavier plate and one that is full-perimeter, for the inherent structural stability. I am a little less enamored with the Scale 123 which has a less massive plate, though it's certainly stout enough, and some might prefer it's design which allows more open soundboard area, and they sound fine, anyway. The 109c was a frequently used scale in the 1890s through about 1910 and usually featured the "yacht tail" which was typically a bit wider than than the continuously-bent scales, though those tend to be wide compared to many makes, but not so much so as compared to the 109c scale, which often includes a very wide left cheekblock because of the very wide board. I think that helps a bit with bass response. One aspect of the 131 scale is a long back scale on the bass bridge which puts the bass bridge well away from the back rim so that it is not detrimentally restricted in movement. I have played a variety of the 6 1/2 footers including the 131, 109c and 116. Do you know whether they are keeping the original scales and rim shapes? Too bad Baldwin is not making the larger models. Chickering9, you there?įor details, do you have anything to say about the characteristics of the plate (for example, is it about 16 mm?), the hammers (I have heard original hammers were smaller than other makers at the time) of the shape of the rim (which famously gives the Chickering a whole lot more soundboard area than other pianos of comparable length) or anything else? Years of construction and actual size are much appreciated, although of course what I am looking for is those of you who love these pianos and are ready to rave about them. What is your experience, impression or what have you heard about the Chickering pianos in between 6 and 8 feet long? I played my first recital on a Chickering that use to belong to Teresa Carreno I think about 6'3" but I did not know then to pay attention to these things and just thought "this old piano is really nice!" #Chickering piano history full#Familiar with Chickering pianos? I have seen big full concert grands and then a bunch of tiny baby grands, but not much in between. ![]()
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