The Rim

• The rim is the part of the piano constructed first, because it gives the piano its shape. The rim is made by bending many layers of thin wood around a metal press. The layers are glued together during this process, and there may be as many as 22 layers. Usually the wood used is maple, but occasionally manufacturers choose other woods. When the basic shape is achieved, the wood is allowed to cure until the moisture ratio in the wood is conducive to the rim holding shape. Other wood parts of the piano, such as the key bed, are then fitted into the rim.
  
  

Finishing and Sanding

• Manufacturers want their pianos to appear smooth and polished, so they sand the wood and stain it to a desired color. During this process, several layers of lacquer also are applied, and the wood is allowed to dry for just under three weeks before it is polished by hand.
  
  

Pinblock and Plate

• Layers of wood are glued together and shaped to form the pinblock. The pinblock then has holes drilled in it to accommodate the strings. Using molds taken from the constructed rim, a plate is made using molten iron. When cooled, the iron plate is cleaned and has holes drilled in it for the various bolts and pins that will connect it to the framework and work in the tuning of the instrument. The plate is finished by a final hand cleaning and is primed and painted.
  
  

The Soundboard and Bridge

• Layers of spruce wood are cured, cut and glued together. When the layers of wood are dry, they are cut into a pattern that fits the design of the piano. Using frames (ribs) that are set to a particular pattern, the soundboard is curved. Bridges that will support the tension of the strings are then glued and screwed to the soundboard. Notches for the strings are then placed into the bridge, after which pins are placed into the bridge and the strings are threaded between the pins.
  
  

Tuning and Stringing

• Tuning pins are cut from metal and then shaped, oiled, cleaned, drilled and threaded. They then are heated to promote oxidation that will help the pins keep tension against the wood of the pinblock. These pins are placed through the premade plate and pinblock holes, and the strings are strung.
  
  

The Keyboard

• Keys are cut to size from wood, dried and then coated with plastic. Holes are drilled into the keys, and the keys are polished. The keys then are placed on guide pins using the drilled holes. The hammers are constructed in large pieces and then cut into individual pieces. Felt is then put onto the hammers, and the hammers are put into position.
  
  

Final Parts

• The final parts of the piano (such as the pedals) are put in place. The piano is often tested to make sure that all of the parts fit snugly and do not rattle. The piano is then inspected and is approved for distribution/sale.