There's a brilliant Japanese piano tuner and piano maker named Yukimitsu Fuji, who has several patents and inventions (and awards from the Prime Minister as a National Treasure of Japan), and who has apparently figured out how to add two small springs to the keys of any Upright piano and turn it onto a Grand piano in both action and timbre.
Grand pianos naturally have more resonance, partly because of their size, and also because the hammer hits the string from below and falls down with gravity. An Upright hits the strings and moves to the side. Meaning, the damper pads rest on the string longer and damp out more of the natural resonance than a Grand. Mr. Fuji put a small spring to pull the hammer back quicker, and another small spring to reset the action of the hammer to more quickly hit another note.
This wonderful video explains in great detail. Japan is really proud of this guy and it's sweeping Japan and has just started licensing to break into the US first. Makes me want to buy a cheap Upright and convert it to an awesome Grand!
It also reminds of of another certain brilliant musician and artist and visionary, who is a national treasure, a Mr. Chapman. And his brother, Emmett! (Hi, Dan!
) Yukimitsu reminded me a lot of Emmett when I saw this video: another instrument maker making material contributions to the science and art and history of musical-instrument making, and the making of music. I also thought "Man, I need this install kit. An an upright!"
Science View on Japan's NHK (their version of the US's PBS)
Upright Piano that Sounds Like a Grand Piano
https://youtu.be/ivuczNJPubo
Here's his English website:
http://granfeel.jp/index.php/english
http://granfeel.jp/application/files/29 ... nglish.pdf
Quote:
Mr. Yukimitsu FUJII, inventor of Granfeel
For players who love pianos and children, the pianists of the future.
Every Granfeel action assembly is produced one by one delicately with hands of the Master of piano, Mr. Yukimitsu FUJII.
For players who love pianos and children, the pianists of the future.
Every Granfeel action assembly is produced one by one delicately with hands of the Master of piano, Mr. Yukimitsu FUJII.
I feel there's something deep about the power of a good idea that is subtle yet powerful and somehow completely changing 300 years of a discipline. Like maybe putting that guitar upright and reaching around to tap with both hands. And the inverted 4th/5th tuning! (I could probably name a couple more!)
Cheers!
--Steve Sink,
Piano Man and Stickist Steve #6