Chinese Porcelain Piano

tuquefbensaib · Post by **tuquefbensaib** » 04 Dec 2008, 14:22

Is that real?

(See this article:
http://www.chinese-tools.com/china/craz ... piano.html)

How is it even possible to make such a thing?

Pianomate · Post by **Pianomate** » 04 Dec 2008, 15:20

Yes, it is quite possible, but it must be REALLY heavy. The main problem with making something of this size in porcelain is being able to achieve acceptable dimensional tolerances. It will just be the casework made in porcelain but I expect it is made in smaller sections and assembled later. The Victorians used to make some really huge porcelain items such as large tub baths, slab urinals etc but this is rarely done today due to the expense.

Wonder what it sounds like. Obviosuly the soundboard and internals must be of the conventional type but the casing must affect the sond to a degree.

It's like the old saying - you can get just about anything if you're prepared to pay for it!

mdw · Post by **mdw** » 04 Dec 2008, 15:21

I like the way they have made the porcelin inside of the rim look just like the the mahogany inside of a normal piano rim, very clever!!!

Pianomate · Post by **Pianomate** » 04 Dec 2008, 15:26

I remember seeing a polycarbonate skeleton (see through) piano once at an exhibition. Looked amazing at the time but it would look crap as soon as any dust started to gather inside the casework or would be a nightmare to keep clean.

Openwood · Post by **Openwood** » 05 Dec 2008, 10:19

A porcelain piano? It reminds me of one of Dr. Johnson's observations:

"A woman's preaching is like a dog dancing on its hinder legs. It is not done well; but you are surprised to find that it is done at all."

He wouldn't have got very far in what passes for the Church of England these days, of course

pianotechman · Post by **pianotechman** » 07 Dec 2008, 13:10

I had to work on a Steinway grand belonging to a Saudi royal, that was covered in green malachite and gold cherubs,[ I believe there were only three made] It weighed a 'ton', and I suppose if it was damaged you'd have to call in a lapidary rather than a polisher!

mdw · Post by **mdw** » 09 Dec 2008, 10:02

pianotechman wrote:I had to work on a Steinway grand belonging to a Saudi royal, that was covered in green malachite and gold cherubs,[ I believe there were only three made] It weighed a 'ton', and I suppose if it was damaged you'd have to call in a lapidary rather than a polisher!

That would be like the one on the front of the latest piano auctions brochure then. Estimated to sell at £250-£300,000. Yet more proof that money and good taste never mix

Mid 1930's pimp and bling. Looks like the inside of the lid was done in green velvit.