In 2004, driven by curiosity about the effects of copper wire on piano bass strings, 15-year-old Adrian Alexander Mann embarked on an ambitious project. His piano teacher couldn’t answer his question about achieving the right bass notes without the wire, prompting Adrian to find the answer himself.
Starting with a simple experiment involving piano wire stretched out to 22 feet in his backyard, Adrian was captivated by the rich sound it produced. This initial success motivated him to construct an enormous piano capable of housing such long wires and preserving their remarkable tone.
Over the next five years, Adrian faced and overcame numerous challenges, culminating in the completion of his unorthodox piano in 2009. Named the Alexander Piano, after his great-great-grandfather, this massive instrument measures 18ft 9 inches and weighs over a metric ton, offering a deeper and more resonant tone due to its extended strings. Let’s hear its beautiful sound below.
At the young age of 20, Adrian achieved his goal, inviting his piano teacher to witness the marvel he had created. The Alexander Piano quickly became a focal point for concerts, enchanting musicians and audiences alike with its unique sound.
Despite its extensive travels and the opportunity to be played by renowned artists, Adrian’s hope for Sir Elton John to perform on the Alexander Piano was hindered by contractual obligations, as the latter is bound by a contract with Yamaha. Nonetheless, Adrian continues his passion for piano restoration in Dunedin, occasionally bringing the Alexander Piano back home for special occasions.
Adrian’s journey from curious teenager to accomplished craftsman is a testament to the power of innovation and persistence. As he looks forward to creating another piano, the music world eagerly anticipates what this inventive mind will bring to the stage next.