Innovations
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The most recent example is the work of Mr. Stephen Paulello. Stephen Paulello is both a concert pianist, who has won numerous international piano competitions, and also a university professor for piano and chamber music. He completed his education as a piano technician with Bechstein and Steinway & Sons and was in charge of concert service for Bechstein in Paris. After a period in Germany spent developing his piano building skills, he started designing and building his own upright and grand pianos. Commenting on his own designs, he says: ‘I wanted to do something different, something new to develop an alternative for pianists’. Indeed, in each and every respect he has succeeded. His experience was gained from 28 years of personal research into the various aspects of piano building. He learned by restoring, repairing and improving upright and grand pianos, as well as through optimization of the strings and actions.Stephen Paulello’s patents and grand piano designs have won numerous awards, including a BA from the French Ministry for Culture. He is also responsible for the training and education of piano technicians in France, including the master associations AFARP & ITEMM. In order to meet Mr. Paulello’s requirements the factory invested in larger CNC machines and with the help of his colleague Claire Pichet, a specialized CAD and robotics engineer, ensured that his designs were properly implemented.The result was the new model Hailun 218 semi-concert grand. Numerous pianists and piano builders already appreciate the instrument. Several institutions have already procured a Hailun 218 for their performance venues.
In 2007 Hailun Piano Co. wanted to further increase the quality level and guarantee of longevity of its upright pianos. Performance upright pianos can be sensitive to temporary oscillations of humidity and temperature, and the effects can be minor shifts of the piano action (i.e. the mechanism that connects the keys to the hammerhead). Professional pianists are sensitive to such minor shifts and can sometimes detect them. Over time it is also possible for the wood to shift its form and cause a permanent change in the action. In order to ensure that the
many combining parts that make up the action of an upright piano maintain a stable platform, Hailun Piano Company invented the Permanency- Accuracy- Stability Keybed System (PAS). This is an aluminum keybed structure that allows the piano action to be resistant to external influences and ensures that the instrument can be used for many years without concern.
One of the most important parts of the piano is the hammerhead. Recent studies by several leading felt and hammerhead makers has revealed why the hammerheads used by piano factories in the nineteen twenties seemed to be superior to modern, mass produced hammerheads. Discerning piano builders and even pianists have long recognized the value of these hammerheads when found in good condition. Modern mass production relies on the use of heat during the compression process to facilitate that glue hardens faster. However,
this process has adverse effects on the elasticity of the felt structure. Today, even makers of highest quality instruments rely on technicians in the field to prepare pianos (i.e. enhance their sound) by treating such hammers with chemicals.
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The cold-pressed hammer production process does not alter the microstructure of the felt and allows for a hammerhead that is much more elastic. It ensures much higher tension on the surface of the hammerhead and provides the the ideal basis for optimal intonation.
Hailun developed its proprietary action. It includes several parts that are imported from Europe and assembled in China and include reinforced German felt hammers, wood parts made of hornbeam, and an aluminum with a maple core action rail. The action is geared at professional users and aims at providing maximum performance for the pianist.
Performance Plus Action
Hailun Magical Piano Lid Assist system (HLPS-1) is a unique solution that address the lifting of heavy grand piano lids. The HLPS-1 consists of well-regulated pneumatic cylinders supporting the weight of the lid. With very little or no effort you can safely open and close the lid without damage to the piano or limbs.
Hybrid Performance Pianos
Over the years Hailun Piano Co. has made it a practice to engage piano technology authorities from Europe and the United States and combine their experience and know-how with the factory’s dedicated and skilled craftsmen and workers. The goal was to offer to pianists highest quality instruments that customers could otherwise only enjoy by acquiring instruments that were built in Europe. These hybrid pianos rely not only on the cost advantage currently attainable in China, but on a highly skilled team of local engineers and workers, and a commitment to quality to present themselves as a real alternative of instruments several times their price. At their best they offer a sound, consistency, and quality mostly available from piano makers several times the cost of a Hailun.
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