The Lyre, Pedal Box, and BackstaysThe pedal support structure is comprised of the pedals and the various posts and braces used to strengthen and reinforce the pedal system. This wood and metal support structure consists of the lyre, the pedal box, and the backstays.
The lyre is made of posts that are attached to the pedal box at the base. In the 1800's many pianos had extremely ornate casework, and the lyre was usually designed to match the traditional Greek stringed instrument from which it takes its name. In modern times, the lyre has lost its identity with its namesake, and is usually made of two nondescript wooden posts. The pedal box, which may also be called the lyre box, is the wooden housing for the three pedals on the piano. The portion of the pedals that stick out of the pedal box are called the pedal feet, and the red felt that surrounds and pads each of the feet is called the pedal cushion. Two metal rods called backstays support and reinforce the pedal mechanism. The top of the backstays are bolted to the back frame of the piano, and the bottoms are secured to the pedal box. The pedal support structure can (and should) be completely removed from the piano when moving the instrument. This eliminates the chance of breaking the support structure when the piano is in transit.
Click here for more information on the function of each of the pedals.
The lyre is made of posts that are attached to the pedal box at the base. In the 1800's many pianos had extremely ornate casework, and the lyre was usually designed to match the traditional Greek stringed instrument from which it takes its name. In modern times, the lyre has lost its identity with its namesake, and is usually made of two nondescript wooden posts. The pedal box, which may also be called the lyre box, is the wooden housing for the three pedals on the piano. The portion of the pedals that stick out of the pedal box are called the pedal feet, and the red felt that surrounds and pads each of the feet is called the pedal cushion. Two metal rods called backstays support and reinforce the pedal mechanism. The top of the backstays are bolted to the back frame of the piano, and the bottoms are secured to the pedal box. The pedal support structure can (and should) be completely removed from the piano when moving the instrument. This eliminates the chance of breaking the support structure when the piano is in transit.
Click here for more information on the function of each of the pedals.
