Your replys are helpful in clarifying the problem. Rotating my head (no, not 360 degrees) makes the problem disappear. The hollow heads (I presume you were referring to the hammers, Newton!)sounds plausible. Switching hammers around, how could I forget to do this!? Moving the piano(s) does not provide a difference; two different pianos, two very different rooms/same sound. Have single needled through between crown and molding, leads me to believe this effect (loud bong/no sustain)has nothing to do with the hammer-felt whatsoever. Ths sound is distinctly "point source and directional." It comes right from the area of the scale in which you are playing, and if your right ear is angled towards the piano,.."wham!" The phenomenon is not subtle, and is apparent in individual notes as well as intervals. Again, the idea of a glue hollow in the hammerhead(s)may fit. It also suggests why two pianos of the same mfg. and vintage share the problem. Especially knowing how this factory (and again, not to criticize) prepares the butt end of the shank for glueing. More ideas are welcome, I will see this piano again within the next two weeks to test them out. So nice to troubleshoot as a "team!" best regards, Mark Cramer, Brandon University ----Original Message----- From: owner-caut@ptg.org [mailto:owner-caut@ptg.org]On Behalf Of Mark Cramer Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2001 2:52 PM To: caut@ptg.org Subject: psycho-acousti-what? A year ago, a client told me she had several notes on her (Baldwin) console that physically hurt her ear when she played them. I tried the notes, which were the first few above the tenor/treble break, and noted they were a bit harsh, but thought (to myself) maybe she was exagerating a bit. I tried them as major thirds, which she had been playing, and nothing. Then I turned my head a bit in her direction, played them again, and "Ouch!" It was as though someone was pressing their finger between my upper jaw-bone and ear! Definitely painful! I remember trying every bit of "voicing voodoo" I know, to no avail. Indeed, I had forgotten about this til yesterday. A music teacher with a Baldwin (no I'm not picking on brands) 52" vertical, who never seemed pleased with the treble, said the magic words; "it hurts!" It's exactly the same phenomenon! At first listen, these hammers "sound" soft at the crown, but hard, very hard in the shoulders. The sound is a big muffled boom, but with little sustain. I went at C5 on the big upright with a single needle to probe the shoulder, certain I would fined hardener,.. but nothing. The shoulder felt is soft, much easeir to needle than a Renner, Yamaha, etc., even at the crown. I needled all over the place, and could not change the sensation of the tone one little bit! What is the problem? If you have experienced this, you will know exactly what I'm talking about, and I would sure love to hear from you. Yes, especially if you've been able to solve it. On my next visit, I'm taking a variety of hammers to test, but I'm not so sure hammers are the problem!? thanks, as always Mark Cramer, Brandon University
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC