How The UK’s Last Piano Factory Keeps A Centuries-Old Industry Alive | Still Standing
Business Insider・1 minute read
Adam Cox runs Cavendish Pianos, the last piano factory in Britain, focused on preserving the craft of piano making. Despite challenges from imports and used pianos, Cox remains dedicated to producing high-quality pianos and passing on the tradition through apprenticeships and partnerships.
Insights
- Adam Cox is committed to preserving traditional piano craftsmanship in the UK through Cavendish Pianos, despite facing competition from cheaper imports and used pianos.
- The meticulous process of creating a Cavendish piano involves intricate details such as customizing the action for each instrument and threading 230 strings to produce a variety of tones, showcasing the dedication to quality and craftsmanship in every piano produced.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
How many pianos does Cavendish Pianos produce yearly?
50
What materials are used to make a Cavendish piano soundboard?
Spruce wood
How many strings are in a Cavendish piano?
230
What is the wooden mechanism in a Cavendish piano called?
Action
How does Adam Cox aim to preserve piano craftsmanship in the UK?
Through apprenticeships and partnerships
Related videos
Summary
00:00
Preserving British piano craftsmanship at Cavendish Pianos.
- Adam Cox runs the last piano factory in Britain, Cavendish Pianos, aiming to preserve the craft that once thrived in the UK.
- The meticulous process of building a Cavendish piano starts with a soundboard made of spruce wood, carefully aligned and attached to a heavy cast iron frame.
- Each piano requires about 230 strings, varying in length and thickness to produce different tones, with each string threaded and hammered into place.
- The intricate wooden mechanism called the action, which includes hammerheads and shanks, is customized for each piano to ensure optimal performance.
- Cavendish Pianos, producing around 50 pianos annually, faces challenges from cheaper imports and older used pianos, but Adam Cox remains dedicated to maintaining high-quality craftsmanship and passing on the tradition through apprenticeships and partnerships with technical piano making courses.
