voicing Steinway L

[Lance Lafargue]

Michael,
1)Is Palida the stone-like material used to rub rust off with?  I'm not
familiar with the name.
2)How deep is deep on the needling?  Where?  Can't I ruin the hammer if
done wrong?  I never deep needle, but have read some on it.  I go about
1/4". How does it make the hammer louder?
3)I did most of your other suggestions and will try the ones I didn't.
Thanks for your help..
Lance Lafargue, RPT
New Orleans Chapter
Covington, LA.
lafargue@iamerica.net

----------
> From: Michael Jorgensen <Michael.Jorgensen@cmich.edu>
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: Re: voicing Steinway L
> Date: Tuesday, February 03, 1998 5:59 AM
> 
> Hi Lance,
>     This post is not intended for the customer. Likely once you fix
> those notes she will find two more.  I would check or do the following
> on just those two notes: (not intended to be a complete list)
> 
> 1. Pluck strings comparing to be sure it's hammers and not in the piano.
> 2. Centerpins. (too loose or looser on one side)
> 3. Hammer Leveling (gets unlevel after needling)
> 4. String seating at bridge
> 5. Palida polish strings
> 6. Try deep needling (sometimes works)
> 7. Ironing or more fine sanding
> 8. Compare hammer shape with others and duplicate 
> 9. Laquer hammers. (sometimes the only way)
> 
>   I avoid discussing with customers the drawbacks of various tricks of
> the trade, especially when dealing with only a few hammers, because if
> you end up having to use that trick they will likely be searching for a
> problem.  Many customers will complain only because they think something
> might be wrong. In the end it should be the sound and eveness that
> counts, which requires different treatments to cover for natural built
> in uneveness in the piano.
> 
> -Mike Jorgensen RPT