fortepianos

[Israel Stein]

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On Sun, 5 Feb 1995, richard west wrote:

> Someone mentioned overstriking hammers and it reminded me of our Belt
> fortepiano which was evidently built to have overstriking hammers.
> Since the piano is a copy of a Walter instrument of Mozart's, maybe
> they didn't worry about whether the hammer hit at a 90 degree angle to
> the string.
>
> In any case, our fortepiano needs some regulation and voicing.  Does
> anyone have any information on doing the job efficiently?  The
> mechanism is the Viennese style and the hammers are wood with a thin
> layer of leather across the crown.  I've heard threading string/yarn
> between the leather and wood will soften the tone.  I am not sure how
> durable the leather is.  The wire is thin and has grooved the leather
> significantly.  The leather isn't cut through yet, however.   The
> piano is around 10 years old so maybe new leathers are in order.  Any
> help anyone has would be appreciated.
>
> Richard West
> University of Nebraska
>