Apart from ebony for the black keys, which other woods are usually found in a grand piano?

Arpeggionist

Depends on the brand. The soundboard is usually something else. The white keys are either ivory or plastic (ivory usually allowing for a softer touch). Nov 25 04, 7:19 AM

McGruff

The type of wood chosen by piano makers is dictated by empirical results over several centuries of experience. Spruce is used for sounding boards, close-grained hardwoods for pinblocks, bridges and supporting structures. Spruce, maple and other woods used in pianos grow in both Europe and America. The trees are similar in appearance and in cell structure. But this is where the similarity ends. The American trees grow considerably faster than their European relations, due to different climatic conditions. Also, wood from American-grown trees will more readily discolor. Spruce discolors within days of cutting. Maple also changes to the dark honey tint so treasured by antique lovers. This swift discoloration of American-grown woods is due to various chemical reactions in the wood, and may be detrimental to piano actions where glue joints and general stability suffer. Sounding boards may also crack, especially older instruments. European woods are considerably more stable. In Germany, as in other European countries, piano manufacturers prefer to season their cut timber out of doors for several years, restacking the cleated woodpiles after every season. After years of seasoning, when the wood is needed for manufacture, only then will it be kiln-dried to the specified moisture content. Invariably, one will notice that Continental-European pianos tend to maintain their general quality over time. The best of these instruments will show less of the dark, grimy and seedy look typical of older American pianos. Another noticeable material factor is the declining availability of first-rate American timber. In Europe (as in America in former days) the maker is still able to actually select trees for his purpose. This appears to be no longer possible in America. http://www.gertzpianos.com/European_American_or_Asian_Pianos.htm Mar 06 05, 11:37 AM

McGruff

The most important woods used in manufacturing Schimmel sound-producing portions are select soundboard spruce from special growing regions in Europe and the durable wood of the domestic beech. Wherever it is advantageous, laminated-wood components are used for the cabinets and sound-producing portions of Schimmel pianos, for example, bent grand rims, pinblocks, bridge caps, keybeds, grand tops etc. Veneers, solid-wood components, plywood and other wooden materials are the raw materials from which the cabinetry of Schimmel pianos is manufactured. Under the supervision of experienced specialists, beautiful veneer patterns and elegant cabinetry styles come into being. http://www.schimmel-piano.de/e/holz.html Mar 06 05, 11:47 AM