The patent by William J. Nickerson of New Orleans, Louisiana, describes a new and useful improvement in Piano Attachments (Patent No. 627,739, 1899). The invention provides a retrofit attachment embodying a tone-modifier and a pianissimo (muting) device that can be placed and secured in any ordinary upright piano without altering its construction.
Inventor Background: William J. Nickerson
William J. Nickerson was an African-American inventor whose work focused on innovations in musical instruments. His invention addressed the need for versatility and specialized tonal effects in the ubiquitous upright piano, which was the centerpiece of home entertainment in the late 19th century. Nickerson’s design created a simple, non-destructive way to add two major tonal functions.
Invention and Mechanism
The attachment consists of two parallel bars inside the piano that swing down onto the strings, controlled by weighted cords from outside the case.
- Mounting and Bars:
- Brackets: Simple brackets (B, C) are screwed to the inner sides of the piano’s end walls.
- Movable Bars (D, E): Two parallel bars are pivotally connected at one end to one bracket and slide in slots in the other bracket. They are vertically movable (swinging up and down).
- Muting Device (Pianissimo):
- Bar D: Carries an apron (F) made of felt or other suitable material .
- Function: When Bar D is lowered to the horizontal position, the felt apron (F) is interposed between the hammers and the strings, muffling the sound (pianissimo).
- Tone-Modifying Device (Mandolin Effect) (Key Innovation):
- Bar E: Carries an apron (G) divided into tongues ($f$) that have small metal plates ($g$) attached to the side contiguous to the strings.
- Function: When Bar E is lowered, the hammers strike the fabric tongues ($f$). The small metal plates ($g$) then strike the strings, producing a metallic, buzzing tone similar to a mandolin or other stringed instruments.
- Remote Control and Counterbalancing:
- Cords (H, I) and Shoe (L): Small cords are attached to the bars (D, E) and extend loosely over a metal shoe (L) on the piano case wall (or front panel).
- Counterbalance Weights (J): Weights (J), hidden by tassels (K), are connected to the cords.
- Function: The weights counterbalance the bars, holding them in the inclined “off” position. To activate a device, the operator pulls the corresponding cord (raising the weight), allowing the bar to drop into the horizontal “on” position. The weights hold the bars in whatever position they are placed, ensuring the effect stays engaged.
Concepts Influenced by This Invention
Nickerson’s attachment influenced subsequent musical instrument and mechanism design by pioneering a non-destructive, external control system for internal modifications.
- Non-Destructive Retrofitting: The core concept of designing a mechanism that secures to the inner walls and requires no alteration to the standard instrument (the piano case) influenced the design of aftermarket accessories and upgrades for musical instruments, machinery, and consumer goods.
- Counterbalanced Positioning: The use of weights (J) connected by cords to counterbalance the swingable bars (D, E) influenced the design of various control levers and movable panels. This system ensures the element remains stable in any desired position without relying on friction locks or complex detents, making adjustment simple and smooth.
- Integrated Dual-Functionality: The successful integration of two distinct tonal effects (muting and mandolin) using parallel, independently controlled bars influenced the design of modular sound effects for electronic keyboards and acoustic instruments.
- Remote Cord Actuation: The use of cords (H, I) channeled through a guide shoe (L) to provide remote control from the exterior (end or front) of the closed case influenced the design of concealed adjustment mechanisms in furniture and hardware.
