88 note pianos -Reply

[PianoBook@aol.com]

In a message dated 96-03-19 08:03:37 EST, you write:

>Larry-
>
>The principles of impedence dictate that increase in sustain is accompanied
>by
>decrease in volume.  Did you notice this after the weighting?
>
>Bob Hohf
>Wisconsin
>
><---- Begin Included Message ---->
>Date: Sat, 16 Mar 1996 16:49:26 -0700 (MST)
>From: PianoBook@aol.com
>Return-Path: pianotech@byu.edu
>Subject: Re: 88 note pianos -Reply
>To: Multiple recipients of list <pianotech@byu.edu>
>
>In a message dated 96-03-16 07:01:28 EST, you write:
>
>>I wonder if anyone has tried "weighting" the high treble end of the
>>bridge--maybe it would improve tone there, too?
>>
>>
>
>In the late '70s, I did some work with a rebuilder -- no longer in the
>business -- who experimented with loading the bridge in the fifth or sixth
>octave -- the place where sustain is so critical and often lacking.  The
>experiments were on rebuilt Steinways.  I helped him make audio recordings
of
>the before and after.  He would melt key leads and fashion them into small
>cylinders, about 8 or 10 ozs. in weight, drill a hole through the middle for
>a long screw, and attach one on the underside of the soundboard into the
>bridge in the area where sustain was deficient.  The difference it made was
>astounding.  Sometimes the sustain was so good, the piano wouldn't shut up
>and the tone would become muddy.  Other times it was just right.  I believe
>he started the process of taking out a patent on it, but never followed
>through.  A few years later, as noted in other posts, Baldwin attached a
lead
>weight to the bass bridge of its 52" upright.
>
>Not really about 88 vs. 85 notes, but I thought someone might find this
>interesting
>
>Larry Fine
>
>
>
><---- End Included Message ---->
>
>
Bob:

It was almost twenty years ago.  To be honest, I don't recall.  Also, I
probably didn't know enough about pianos then to even know to look for that.
 But you're probably right.  It would make sense.

Larry Fine