University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

Page 7 text:

VIEW OF VARNISH DEPARTMENT 5 FLOOR No.l BUILDING. 50 100. KRELL GRANDS. REFERRING to the question of tuning ' , purchasers of Krell pianos are always JM - advised, where it is possible for them to do so. to send for tuners in the employ of firms representing the Krell Piano Co. It is natural that a firm ' s employes KRELL should take more interest in an instrument they sell than any strange tuner PIANOS would; consequently the instrument would be well taken care of, always give satisfac- tion and last longer. In any event always employ a good tuner, as a poor tuner is worse than none. 9999 The scientific points of construction in Krell Grands are worthy of special mention. By the use of our Improved Self Supporting, Center Strain, Full Metal Frame, the case proper is relieved entirely from the great tension which it otherwise is compelled to bear. This Metal frame is so constructed that the entire strain is upon the longitud- inal center section of the metal frame, the braces of which are so arranged that one- half their thickness and strength is above the plane of the strings and one-half below the plane of the strings. This feature renders it impossible for the frame to bend or warp in any manner whatever. Attached to this metal frame is the sounding board tuning pin block and the strings, and as they are attached to the metal frame indepen- dent entirely of the wooden ' frame work of the case, they cannot be affected by the partial yielding of the wooden frame work during great or sudden climatical changes: therefore the constant liability of the piano to lower its pitch or get out of tune is lessened in a great degree. When the different parts have been adjusted securely to the metal frame it is then finally placed in the case proper. Another important advantage gained by the use of our metal frame is dispensing with large bolts which other manufacturers are [VIEW OF RUBBING a POLISMING-DEPT. 4 FLOOR No.l BUILDING. 50 ioe compelled to use in fastening their iron plates to the wooden frame of the case. These bolts, passing

Page 6 text:

SOUND- ING BOARDS, BACKS. I X ' RELL Sounding Boards are made of the very best Balsam fir, which has wonder- [ ful resonance and acoustic powers. The dimensions of the Krell Sounding V Boards are greater than those used in any other make, and in this fact is par- tial explanation of the wonderful volume of tone for which the Krell is pre- eminent. ! The main support of Upright Pianos are the backs. All Krell Piano backs are made out of solid three-inch Ash, and so constructed that they possess the greatest possible endurance. Instead of covering the backs of our uprights with wire muslin, which is no protection for the instrument whatever, but serves as a screen to hide the defects in the manufacture, we leave them open so that the quality of our work and material can be seen and appreciated. PIN Krell pin blocks are quintuple, cross-banded, quarter-sawed Maple, secured by a BLOCKS. metal flange, the most important factor in keeping pianos in tune, it being next to impossible for the tuning pins to slip back; when once placed, there they stay.

Page 8 text:

KRELL GRANDS. Continued. ENDUR- ANCE through the sounding board at numerous places, break or hem the waves of vibration, and they are, in consequence, very in- jurious to the resonance power of the sounding board. Further, we are the only manufacturers using the balsam fir wood for sounding boards, the valu- able qualities of which were re-discovered by Al- bert Krell in the year 1884, and which is now success- fully used by all the lead- ing violin makers for constructing their very beat instruments. Then again, we have another very marked improvement in the construction of our bass bridges, the theory of which is the same as the theory used in the construction of the violin bridge; take for example a violin, and in place of the scroll bridge put a solid block of wood, then it will be found that the sound has been deadened. Now instead of using a solid bass bridge, like other manufacturers do, we perforate ours, and thereby secure the same benefit that is given by the scroll-bridge on a violin. Last but not least, is our metal pedal action, which cannot squeak or stick, as do the wooden pedal actions of other makers. This surely should be a source of satisfac- tion to all performers as they cannot be annoyed by the constant squeaking or the sticking of the pedals. V A careful perusal of the foregoing facts concerning the manufacture of Krell Pianos should leave no doubt of their endurance. We offer them on their merits alone, and not upon any purchased reputation. Give the Krell a trial and you will join in the universal verdict that it is the Acme of the Piano Maker ' s Art. ' '