Production of J. NEMETSCHKE Pianos

Some Notes on the Construction of a Piano

The construction of a piano emerges basically first on the drawing table in the form of various drawings: in piano making one speaks of a MODEL.

In constructing a piano, the interaction of various materials (metal, different woods, felts, leather, etc.) need to be taken into account, as well as the high tension of up to 20 tons that is built up, which makes the construction so complex that even today, the construction of a piano defies the most complicated of calculations.

The making of an extraordinarily good piano construction is therefore extremely difficult and requires years of experience and many practical trials, and can be performed by only a handful of the great masters among piano makers.

The ongoing production encompasses three piano models of different constructions. All models were constructed by the company founder in the ´20s and ´30s of the previous century, and were produced in larger quantities in the Viennese factory. Even today, many of these instruments are still serving their owners to full satisfaction, proving without doubt their superior quality and longevity.

Iron Frame, Back Post, Pinblock

- the Backbone of the Piano

The frames of the J.NEMETSCHKE pianos are made exclusively in traditional wet sand-mold casting method. For the tonal statement of the piano after its production, this traditional casting method is viewed to be superior over the vacuum-casting method most commonly used today.

Together with the frame, the back post is responsible for the stability of the instrument. The back posts of the J.NEMETSCHKE pianos are made of triple-laminated layers ensuring that they can withstand the enormous pressure of approximately 17 tons exerted by the string tension without any deformation, thus maintaining tuning stability.

Together with the back post and the frame, the pinblock is responsible for the tone of the piano. Pinblocks of the J.NEMETSCHKE pianos are made of multiple layers of the hardest maple.

Construction and Processing of the Soundboard

– the acoustical Heart of the Piano

It is the function of the soundboard to take up and repeat the vibratory motions of the strings, thus amplifying the sound generated by the strings. The construction of the soundboard is therefore one of the main factors influencing the quality of tone of the final instrument. Selection of the best possible wood is only one of the basic requirements.

The best kept secret of any quality piano maker is the method of forming the soundboard which can NOT be copied.

The soundboard of the J.NEMETSCHKE pianos are carefully formed by hand by highly skilled craftsmen in the piano factory. From the selecting of the proper spruce wood to the making, assembling, gluing and finishing of the bridges, each soundboard maker is responsible for the construction of the complete soundboard from beginning to end.

This method of production is extremely time consuming and not visible in the finished instrument. It is however definitely hearable!

Case Design and Keybed

Also the Key Bed and the Case render service to the overall sound effect.

J. NEMETSCHKE pianos have a keybed made of massive wood in casket construction. This production method supports the tone-energy circle of the instrument and contributes to the stable support of the keyboard and thus to the stability of the mechanism.

J. NEMETSCHKE pianos are available in different case designs and styles - classical, timeless - made of real plywood and in diverse noble veneers.