The Technology

To meet this wish, the Julius Blüthner Pianofortefabrik GmbH a piano which, like the basic structure of the airship, was largely made of duralumin and covered with a skin. The challenge was to achieve the acoustic and haptic characteristics of a conventional piano. For this special piano, several weight saving opportunities were adopted from aircraft/airship construction. The sound body, for example, consisted of a high strength cast aluminium frame. The side walls, the drop board and the lid were made of duralumin. Other planar components were also partly built from an aluminium lattice structure and covered with parchment. The entire grand piano stood on feet made of duralumin tubes. Only the acoustic components, such as keys, hammers, and strings, were made traditionally. Despite the unconventional construction, the piano is said to have had a particularly full sound and was often played by passengers. During the first flight to America, the Dresden concert pianist Prof. Franz Wagner played various pieces by Chopin, Beethoven, Brahms, and others. If you like, you can listen to a recording of the piano on Youtube. .