Regulation-pedals, Important

[wbailer]

John Piesik  wrote (quoting Barbara within his text):

>     Barbara writes:
>
>     ". . . I never had an artist comment about the tuning.  I found that
>     they were most concerned with the eveness of voicing and regulation."
>
>     I must agree.  I have spoken with and listened to several artists and
>     performers.  I have learned that their major concerns in a concert
>     situation are, in the following order:
>
>     1.  A well-voiced piano that allows a wide, even, consistent range of
>         dynamics and color.
>
>     2.  A well-regulated action that responds evenly to the lightest of
>         touch and a responsive, properly-adjusted pedal system.
>
>     3.  Clean, solid unsions that won't slip out during the performance.
>
>     4.  A good tuning.
>
>     I'm not suggesting that a well-tuned piano is not important, just not
>     as important.  All aspects are important as a whole, yet some take a
>     higher priority.  Any comments?
>

(This is my first posting on any newgroup.  I have been reading pianotech
for a couple of week.)

John, I thoroughly agree, but would like to add a detail about
"properly-adjusted pedal system."  I find that MOST grand pedal lyre
supports are inadequate, letting the lyre sway backward a little.  This is
especially true of pianos that are moved often, and the support rods get
worn (from being banged and dropped on the ends), shims fall out, or the
rods are of different lengths and they are "switched" right -for-left.
Even a little of this "slop" makes the pedal feel less positive, and the
pianist has less control.  Both rods should be butted against the holes at
each end--  NO movement along the axis of the rod (or "stick") can be
tolerated.  This does make a big difference, and prevents the gradual
loosening of glue joints that result in needed repair as well.

Supports that do not have "rod-in-hole" systems sometimes require
considerable redesign to "work," but it is worth it in the long run.
Also, don't use paper in the hole -- it disintegrates over time.  Glue
something dense and durable in the hole.  Anyone have any ideas about how
to best shim these rods?  Shims can be glued to the ends of wooden rods,
but not brass (without brazing! maybe soldering is practical?).

Looking forward to further participation in this group, with some of the
finest gentlemen on the net!

Bill Bailer

  .-------------------------------------------------------------------.
  |  William Bailer  ("Bill")                                         |
  |  wbailer@concentric.net (the same mailbox as wbailer@cris.com)    |
  |  Rochester, New York, USA (400 miles from New York City).         |
  |  Some interests: acoustics, JS Bach, anthropology, and education. |
  `-------------------------------------------------------------------'
                             End of document