The world’s grandest piano
The world’s longest piano has been in Hamilton from the 6 – 17th of October for people to view and play.
The piano, created by Adrian Mann holds the record as the world’s longest grand piano and was on display at Creative Waikato.
It is 5.7 metres long and weighs approximately 1.4 tonnes which makes the moving of the piano complicated.
Freight companies Mainfreight and Kiwi Rail have been involved in the moving of Adrian’s piano as it tours the country.
Various parts of the piano need to be disassembled before it is moved.
This includes the legs and pedals which Adrian has to re-attach personally so as to not damage his work.
The legs slide in and out easily as they are designed for the frequency they are removed.
A forklift is required for movement due to the length of the Alexander Piano but it often still needs support while it is being moved.
The piano, officially named the Alexander Piano began being constructed on 25th October and was finished on April 4 2009.
Its large length means the piano wires are much longer then a regular grand piano which creates a deeper sound when played.
This was discovered when Adrian performed an experiment using a nail and a long piece of wire.
The piano must be tuned once it arrives at a new location, and this is always done by Adrian Mann.
Tuning is required to maintain the deep sound that is unique to the piano.
Adrian Mann constructed the piano with various types of rimu wood.
However, the timber for the sound board had to be a certain specification in order to work so Canadian Douglas fir was used for this.
The frame of the piano is made from mild steel.
This was later plastered to look like cast iron.
A collection of photos documenting the creation process of the piano uploaded by Adrian was posted on YouTube.
The piano was constructed in a shed at the Paeroa Reserve, beginning with the legs.
All of the keys on the piano are of a regular scale and replicate those of a standard grand piano.
The pedals are also of regular scale and are easily detachable for travel.
The piano has been played by many musicians and featured in a concert performed by the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra.
