In considering the influence of the “player” mechanism upon the pianoforte itself, we may note that the general adoption of these devices, if it occurs, will inevitably produce certain modifications in the action mechanism, as well as in the general design. There is no doubt that the ordinary action mechanism of the pianoforte will not prove strong enough to endure the furious onslaught of the “player,” and it is questionable whether pianofortes constructed on the old plan will not more rapidly deteriorate when exposed to this wear and tear. The precise direction in which this modification is likely to come may not now be accurately determined, but it is probable that a general strengthening of centres and flanges will be the first result.
As for the distortion of the pianoforte case, this, as far as it now exists, may very easily be corrected. But it will not be easy to arrange the playing mechanism so as to avoid interference with the acoustical or mechanical forces of the pianoforte. For one thing, there is a great deal of machinery to put into a very small space, and for another there are certain parts of the pianoforte that must under no circumstances be touched. Thus the sound-board, the strings and the iron plate must be left severely alone. But the elimination of the Boston or double-rolling fall-board, and its replacement by something that will take less room, will provide a sufficient space to house the pneumatics and exhaust chamber above the keys. This is where they ought to be, and the only possible place where they can be reached without trouble or damage. The pumping apparatus must be kept away from the sound-board, and placed where it will do no harm; under the key-bed, necessarily, but not so as to interfere with the piano pedals or the resonance apparatus. Some portion of the bottom frame can usually be eliminated with advantage, and this will assist in providing the necessary space.
The position of the motor should be such that the minimum of waste occurs between the crank-shaft and the take-up spool. Thus, if possible, the motor ought to be above the key-bed. If it be of the clock-work type, it can hardly be placed anywhere else. Lastly, the whole of the exterior apparatus, such as levers, pedals, spool, etc., should be arranged to fold away or be covered up out of sight when the instrument is in use for manual playing.