Helpinstill
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Helpinstill is an US-based company which produces a unique electromagnetic pickup system for amplifying grand and upright pianos on stage. During the late 1970s the company also marketed a range of portable pianos ready-fitted with the pickups; these instruments were built by Kimball to Helpinstill's specifications.
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[edit] Description
The Helpinstill pickup comprises three long electromagnetic bar pickups which can be temporarily attached to a piano's iron frame via magnets and clamps. The pickups only sense vibrations from the strings, virtually eliminating the possibility of feedback. A small mixer allows the pianist or sound engineer to adjust the output balance of the pickups.
[edit] The Melodipro piano
In the mid-70s, the Aeolian piano company marketed the Melodipro upright piano, a semi-road-worthy version of their Melodigrand 64-note piano fitted with a Helpinstill pickup system. The shortcomings of this instrument inspired Helpinstill to produce their own completely portable instruments.
[edit] Helpinstill pianos
Three models were produced between 1977 and about 1980. All were true acoustic pianos with soundboards.
[edit] Roadmaster 88 and 64 models
These were uprights, built into aluminium flightcases on casters with fold-away keyboards and sustain pedals. The 88 offered a full piano range while the 64 lacked the top and bottom octaves.
[edit] Portable Grand
This was an 88-note baby grand without its heavy outer case, and designed to separate into a keyboard and a "harp" section with removable "hairpin"-style legs. A fibreglass cover was fitted to the "harp" in lieu of a traditional case and lid; this made the instrument considerably lighter than a traditional grand of the same size.
Both instruments are still renowned for their authentic sound when amplified, and the Helpinstill pickup remains an industry standard.
