Pianotech

  • 1.  1st partial activation

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-12-2026 08:01

    I have a client asking me about the possibility of creating a device that would activate the 1st partial (octave) of a range of notes (e.g., C3-C6 or so) upon hammer strike, as well as globally with something like the damper pedal, etc.

    My question is: Does anyone know if this (or something similar) has already been done somewhere (to avoid "re-inventing the wheel"), and if so, where and how?

    A little experimentation with a felt or rubber mute, and some coordination between striking and touching the wire at midpoint, shows some possibilities here (though awkward and inconsistent). The primary thinking (idea thus far) is a mechanical device hung above the strings, supported by the struts, to do the work to actuate the touchpoints, or possibly electronically key actuated, etc etc.

    Basically...has this idea already been done with any success such that it could be examined? (At the moment it is simply a thought experiment). Anyone know anything, anywhere?

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 2.  RE: 1st partial activation

    Posted 08-12-2026 08:20
    Very interestingly earlier this year I tuned a Sauter piano which had lines marked upon the soundboard which indicated the nodes of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th harmonics, so possibly the thinking might be already putatively in the manufacturer's consciousness.

    Best wishes

    David P


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    David Pinnegar, B.Sc., A.R.C.S.
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    +44 7868385643





  • 3.  RE: 1st partial activation

    Posted 08-12-2026 09:35

    Peter-

    I believe you mean the 2nd partial (octave harmonic). The first partial is the "fundamental."

    The 19th century Dietz Claviharp had a harmonic stop activated by a pedal. See the photo:

    https://www.greifenberger-institut.de/en/wissensvermittlung/besaitete-tasteninstrumente/kuriosa/klavierharfe.php

    Not to be confused with the 21st century Sutton Claviharp, but maybe I'll spend some shop time on it.

    claviharp.com



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    Ed Sutton
    ed440@me.com
    (980) 254-7413
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  • 4.  RE: 1st partial activation

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-12-2026 13:29

    Ed,

    Ahh yes...duh! Thx for clearing that up. 

    This is very interesting. I'm going to send this over to him and let him digest it a bit. 

    So  you're working on something that might offer a similar feature?

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: 1st partial activation

    Posted 08-12-2026 19:10

    Testing a bit, I'd say that adding this to my claviharp isn't very useful. It would make the lower octaves sound higher, but wouldn't work very well on the higher octaves, so the same effect can be gotten by just playing an octave higher.

    But on a piano, it might be effective if you caused one string of the unison to sound an octave higher, so there would be an effect somewhat like the Bluthner pianos with the extra octave string. You might be able to insert bits of leather or felt at the mid-points of adjacent strings and get enough sound for a simple test.



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    Ed Sutton
    ed440@me.com
    (980) 254-7413
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: 1st partial activation

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 08-13-2026 21:57

    That's an interesting idea, and possibly more doable than what he was proposing. He's checking out that info you sent now. 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message