Queen Victoria

Aliquot Patent

All Blüthner grand pianos (with the exception of the Model 11) are equipped with the Blüthner Aliquot patent. In the highest treble section of our grand pianos, each note is assigned a fourth string, which is slightly raised from the others and not struck by the hammerheads. The aliquot string resonates in unison with the note played, thereby amplifying it and creating a rich, warm and colourful sound. The system was developed by Julius Blüthner over a century and a half ago and is considered a key facet of the Blüthner Golden Tone.

Soundboard

Only the finest white high mountain spruce from selected alpine stock is used for the production of Blüthner soundboards. The shape of a Blüthner soundboard is unique — a cylindrical curve with a tension evenly matched to the strings. Before installation, it is seasoned for many years to ensure maximum resonance and durability. The rubs are shaped to fit the curvature required and therefore even under difficult climatic conditions, the tension of the soundboard remains intact over decades.

Inner Rim and Cross Beams

The inner rim construction, along with the cast iron frame, has to withstand enormous tension when an instrument is brought up to pitch. Blüthner cross beams are manufactured with a solid centre of red beech with German pine laminated to each side, making it virtually impossible to allow movement caused by humidity changes. It also ensures a permanent and solid fit for the bolts of the iron frame.

Bridge and Pin Block

The bridge is adapted to the tension and curvature of the soundboard in its optimal position, ensuring that the full spectrum of the string vibrations is transferred to the soundboard. Both the bass and treble bridges are constructed from European maple wood. The pin block or wrest plank is made from 14 highly compressed hardwood layers, cross-banded and glued at 90 degrees to the direction of the wood grain, securing the tuning pins on all sides for long-lasting tuning stability.

Iron Frame

The iron frame is cast in a quartz sand mould using traditional methods. To withstand the enormous tension of nearly twenty tonnes, the design of each frame is precisely calculated and manufactured.

Each frame is seasoned outside for two years before being sprayed to a high quality-finish and individually fitted to an instrument.

Keyboard and Action

The keyboard is the component through which the pianist expresses their musicality and connects with the piano. With over five-and-a-half thousand moving parts within the action and damper structure alone, utmost precision is required to enable a responsive touch from gentle pianissimo to vigorous fortissimo, whilst retaining full control.

To achieve excellent stability, the key bed is manufactured of alternate layers of Red Beech and German Pine, whereas the keys of our instruments are made of fine Bavarian Mountain Spruce and high-density Ebony. White key tops are made of acrylic. Height and depth of touch are meticulously weighted and adjusted for ultimate precision and control.