Subject: Time: 5:56 PM OFFICE MEMO Re Damper Harmonics Date: 3/28/96 ------------------ORIGINAL POST----------------- I've got a frustrating harmonic that won't go away. On one of the performance S&S D's the 8th partial of F2 (right above the break) continues to sing whenever you play F5. However, that damper could not be doing its job of muting F2 any better. The felt is seated perfectly and is not too long or too short, IMO. Clearly, it is sitting on that particular node and is quite audible once you start listening for it. I have seen this sort of problem before, but it was always so subtle that no one ever complained. In this case, even a few students have noticed it. I suppose I could voice down the treble some around the 5th octave, but they kind of like it as it is, and it is not excessively bright. Anyone have a suggestion? Dennis Johnson St. Olaf College johnsond@stolaf.edu djohn@skypoint.com -----------------MY REPLY------------------- Dennis- The harmonic is very likely emanating from the part of the speaking length between the agraffe and the first felt on the damper (a wedge, probably). I have not found this to be a common problem, but it has occurred with me. Tilting the damper at the head one way or the other with your fingers will frequently solve the problem. I assume this moves the damper felt away from the node that defines one end of the harmonic. Ken Sloane, Oberlin Conservatory
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC