Pianotech

Customer has a beautiful, well preserved, mostly original, Fischer (upright) Cabinet Grand from 1880. It has the normal music desk built in to the fallboard, but it also has a "hidden" second pop-out music desk built into the front panel. Both the customer and I are wondering what this second music desk is for? 

Customer has a beautiful, well preserved, mostly original, Fischer (upright) Cabinet Grand from 1880. It has the normal music desk built in to the fallboard, but it also has a "hidden" second pop-out music desk built into the front panel. Both the customer and I are wondering what this second music desk is for? 

Geoff, I'm not sure if I'm picturing it right but could the pop out serve the use of providing acoustic ports for the sound? Does it open gaps to the inside of the cabinet?

Customer has a beautiful, well preserved, mostly original, Fischer (upright) Cabinet Grand from 1880. It has the normal music desk built in to the fallboard, but it also has a "hidden" second pop-out music desk built into the front panel. Both the customer and I are wondering what this second music desk is for? 

Steven -

No. It's not an acoustic port that opens and closes. It's has a spring latch on the bottom that allows you to open the a panel that's maybe 18" x 18", and behind the panel is a drop down music desk that folds out and the panel then drops back down as a slanted back to hold music. When closed, there is no visable music shelf and it looks flat just like the panels on either side of it. It appears to be a second music desk that can be brought out that sits above the music desk that is built in to the fallboard. The strange thing is that when the hidden music desk is brought out, it sits low enough that it would partially block the top of any music that might be on the lower music desk. 

Or, now as I look at it, perhaps what I should be asking is what is the thing that looks like it may be a music desk that is on the fallboard. Maybe it's the panel music desk that is the real thing and not the one on the fallboard. In any case, my question is, why two music desks?

Geoff, I'm not sure if I'm picturing it right but could the pop out serve the use of providing acoustic ports for the sound? Does it open gaps to the inside of the cabinet?

Customer has a beautiful, well preserved, mostly original, Fischer (upright) Cabinet Grand from 1880. It has the normal music desk built in to the fallboard, but it also has a "hidden" second pop-out music desk built into the front panel. Both the customer and I are wondering what this second music desk is for? 

Steven -

No. It's not an acoustic port that opens and closes. It's has a spring latch on the bottom that allows you to open the a panel that's maybe 18" x 18", and behind the panel is a drop down music desk that folds out and the panel then drops back down as a slanted back to hold music. When closed, there is no visable music shelf and it looks flat just like the panels on either side of it. It appears to be a second music desk that can be brought out that sits above the music desk that is built in to the fallboard. The strange thing is that when the hidden music desk is brought out, it sits low enough that it would partially block the top of any music that might be on the lower music desk. 

Or, now as I look at it, perhaps what I should be asking is what is the thing that looks like it may be a music desk that is on the fallboard. Maybe it's the panel music desk that is the real thing and not the one on the fallboard. In any case, my question is, why two music desks?

Geoff, I'm not sure if I'm picturing it right but could the pop out serve the use of providing acoustic ports for the sound? Does it open gaps to the inside of the cabinet?

Customer has a beautiful, well preserved, mostly original, Fischer (upright) Cabinet Grand from 1880. It has the normal music desk built in to the fallboard, but it also has a "hidden" second pop-out music desk built into the front panel. Both the customer and I are wondering what this second music desk is for? 

It is possible that the original desk was replaced by a more modern system, but this instrument retained both desks during the transition.

Steven -

No. It's not an acoustic port that opens and closes. It's has a spring latch on the bottom that allows you to open the a panel that's maybe 18" x 18", and behind the panel is a drop down music desk that folds out and the panel then drops back down as a slanted back to hold music. When closed, there is no visable music shelf and it looks flat just like the panels on either side of it. It appears to be a second music desk that can be brought out that sits above the music desk that is built in to the fallboard. The strange thing is that when the hidden music desk is brought out, it sits low enough that it would partially block the top of any music that might be on the lower music desk. 

Or, now as I look at it, perhaps what I should be asking is what is the thing that looks like it may be a music desk that is on the fallboard. Maybe it's the panel music desk that is the real thing and not the one on the fallboard. In any case, my question is, why two music desks?

Geoff, I'm not sure if I'm picturing it right but could the pop out serve the use of providing acoustic ports for the sound? Does it open gaps to the inside of the cabinet?

Customer has a beautiful, well preserved, mostly original, Fischer (upright) Cabinet Grand from 1880. It has the normal music desk built in to the fallboard, but it also has a "hidden" second pop-out music desk built into the front panel. Both the customer and I are wondering what this second music desk is for? 

It is possible that the original desk was replaced by a more modern system, but this instrument retained both desks during the transition.

Steven -

No. It's not an acoustic port that opens and closes. It's has a spring latch on the bottom that allows you to open the a panel that's maybe 18" x 18", and behind the panel is a drop down music desk that folds out and the panel then drops back down as a slanted back to hold music. When closed, there is no visable music shelf and it looks flat just like the panels on either side of it. It appears to be a second music desk that can be brought out that sits above the music desk that is built in to the fallboard. The strange thing is that when the hidden music desk is brought out, it sits low enough that it would partially block the top of any music that might be on the lower music desk. 

Or, now as I look at it, perhaps what I should be asking is what is the thing that looks like it may be a music desk that is on the fallboard. Maybe it's the panel music desk that is the real thing and not the one on the fallboard. In any case, my question is, why two music desks?

Geoff, I'm not sure if I'm picturing it right but could the pop out serve the use of providing acoustic ports for the sound? Does it open gaps to the inside of the cabinet?

Customer has a beautiful, well preserved, mostly original, Fischer (upright) Cabinet Grand from 1880. It has the normal music desk built in to the fallboard, but it also has a "hidden" second pop-out music desk built into the front panel. Both the customer and I are wondering what this second music desk is for? 

I agree with you, Del. I love seeing these pianos from back in the day when they had workers with the skill to pull this off. Not to mention the expense. I especially love the scroll work/pinstriping they frequently have on the plate...

It is possible that the original desk was replaced by a more modern system, but this instrument retained both desks during the transition.

Steven -

No. It's not an acoustic port that opens and closes. It's has a spring latch on the bottom that allows you to open the a panel that's maybe 18" x 18", and behind the panel is a drop down music desk that folds out and the panel then drops back down as a slanted back to hold music. When closed, there is no visable music shelf and it looks flat just like the panels on either side of it. It appears to be a second music desk that can be brought out that sits above the music desk that is built in to the fallboard. The strange thing is that when the hidden music desk is brought out, it sits low enough that it would partially block the top of any music that might be on the lower music desk. 

Or, now as I look at it, perhaps what I should be asking is what is the thing that looks like it may be a music desk that is on the fallboard. Maybe it's the panel music desk that is the real thing and not the one on the fallboard. In any case, my question is, why two music desks?

Geoff, I'm not sure if I'm picturing it right but could the pop out serve the use of providing acoustic ports for the sound? Does it open gaps to the inside of the cabinet?

Customer has a beautiful, well preserved, mostly original, Fischer (upright) Cabinet Grand from 1880. It has the normal music desk built in to the fallboard, but it also has a "hidden" second pop-out music desk built into the front panel. Both the customer and I are wondering what this second music desk is for? 

A (potential) customer called me today with an old but probably rescuable 1911 upright that was about to go to the dump.  All I could do was suggest that she call piano teachers, as no dealer or church would take it.

I love seeing the artistry and craftsmanship in these old girls, but in the end, old pianos, like old piano tuners, have a practical life span (though pianos can be restored better).

I agree with you, Del. I love seeing these pianos from back in the day when they had workers with the skill to pull this off. Not to mention the expense. I especially love the scroll work/pinstriping they frequently have on the plate...

It is possible that the original desk was replaced by a more modern system, but this instrument retained both desks during the transition.

Steven -

No. It's not an acoustic port that opens and closes. It's has a spring latch on the bottom that allows you to open the a panel that's maybe 18" x 18", and behind the panel is a drop down music desk that folds out and the panel then drops back down as a slanted back to hold music. When closed, there is no visable music shelf and it looks flat just like the panels on either side of it. It appears to be a second music desk that can be brought out that sits above the music desk that is built in to the fallboard. The strange thing is that when the hidden music desk is brought out, it sits low enough that it would partially block the top of any music that might be on the lower music desk. 

Or, now as I look at it, perhaps what I should be asking is what is the thing that looks like it may be a music desk that is on the fallboard. Maybe it's the panel music desk that is the real thing and not the one on the fallboard. In any case, my question is, why two music desks?

Geoff, I'm not sure if I'm picturing it right but could the pop out serve the use of providing acoustic ports for the sound? Does it open gaps to the inside of the cabinet?

Customer has a beautiful, well preserved, mostly original, Fischer (upright) Cabinet Grand from 1880. It has the normal music desk built in to the fallboard, but it also has a "hidden" second pop-out music desk built into the front panel. Both the customer and I are wondering what this second music desk is for? 

Customer has a beautiful, well preserved, mostly original, Fischer (upright) Cabinet Grand from 1880. It has the normal music desk built in to the fallboard, but it also has a "hidden" second pop-out music desk built into the front panel. Both the customer and I are wondering what this second music desk is for? 

Gotta love AI:  This is what AI said:

Very old upright pianos often feature two music desks for versatility in player preference, visibility, and sound modulation. The fallboard desk (lower) offers a closer, standard view, while the front-panel desk (higher) allows for easier reading of large music scores and can function as an opening to let more sound escape. 

    Fallboard Desk (Lower): Located on the board covering the keys, this is the standard position for comfortable reading, ensuring the music is close to the player.
    Front-Panel Desk (Higher): This desk is part of the upper front cabinet assembly. It allows for higher eye-level reading and is often found on older, taller pianos where the music desk is built into the front panel. Using this desk can prevent large music books from obscuring the player's view of their hands, and, if it tips outward, can also serve as a sound port.
    Sound Regulation: Using the higher front-panel desk on an older upright can provide a clearer, louder sound (similar to opening a grand piano lid) because it exposes the internal action and soundboard,.
    Visibility for Others: Having the music higher up on the front panel allowed for teachers or audience members standing behind or beside the pianist to see the music more easily. 

Some older designs may also feature specialized mechanisms, such as a fallboard-activated music desk opener that tilts the upper panel.

Customer has a beautiful, well preserved, mostly original, Fischer (upright) Cabinet Grand from 1880. It has the normal music desk built in to the fallboard, but it also has a "hidden" second pop-out music desk built into the front panel. Both the customer and I are wondering what this second music desk is for? 

Customer has a beautiful, well preserved, mostly original, Fischer (upright) Cabinet Grand from 1880. It has the normal music desk built in to the fallboard, but it also has a "hidden" second pop-out music desk built into the front panel. Both the customer and I are wondering what this second music desk is for?