[CAUT] FW: Voicing

[Horace Greeley]

Hi, Avery!

I thought about mentioning Charle's suggestion, but decided not.  This is 
not because of any real problems with it, rather, and mostly, in this case, 
because of what seemed to be the time issues involved.

I think the things to watch with this method (and, I think Charles would 
agree) are:

  - Very careful judgement in making up the solution...the weakest you can 
get away with, the better...not terribly scientific...sorry; and,
  - The type and condition of the hammers involved.  This works very well 
in some situations, and not very well in others, largely dependent on the 
hammers.  Generally, hammers that are harder to begin with (like the 
Hamburg D), that are also in (at least) pretty good shape (as to shape, 
string cuts, etc) will respond well.  Hammers that are too badly worn 
(deeper cuts and/or poor shape and/or softer hammers...especially ones that 
have already been over-hardened) do not respond as well.

So, Keena - How did things go?  We're all anxious to know!

Best.

Horace


At 09:31 AM 9/12/2004, you wrote:
>Keena,
>
>You've gotten an extremely thorough post from Horace (which I'm definitely 
>going to save, Horace!) :-) but if this isn't already too late and if 
>you're very limited on time, here
>might be a solution from a post I'd saved from Charles Ball at UT/Austin. 
>(Although I
>think I'd stick with the "liquid" solution Horace mentions or use a VERY 
>thin solution of
>the other!)
>
>========================================================================
>Take a small piece of music wire, perhaps 17 or 18 gauge, and dip it in 
>your favorite keytop solution.  Then quickly lay it across a string groove 
>in one of the hammers you want to "brighten".  Repeat this process for 
>each string groove.  Two or three applications may be necessary.  This 
>will give just a bit more edge, without any big voicing consequences, 
>since the hardener does not penetrate beyond the surface of the felt, and 
>without any change to the UC voicing.
>
>When the piano is returned to its permanent home, you can lightly file 
>away the residue, or just give the hammers a light brush or two with a 
>suede brush and you are back in business.
>
>This works like a charm with the hard compressed hammers one finds in 
>Asian and European instruments, because the basic foundation of firm felt 
>is already there, and it is only the surface that needs a boost.  It is 
>also great for lazy technicians like me, who do not want to have to do 
>extensive voicing after juicing!
>
>Good luck,
>
>Charles
>
>====================================================
>Hope this helps.
>
>Avery
>University of Houston
>
>>I have a Hamburg Steinway D to tune for a concert and the Artist would
>>like to have the bass hammers brighter but not louder.
>>
>>Any thoughts are appreciated.
>>
>>Keena Keel,RPT