Voicing reply

[DaleP34429]

In a message dated 98-02-28 21:40:47 EST, you write:

<< This really is a sad story...The pianist is very accomplished 
 and I met him at a local concert hall when I was tuning for his 
 concert.  He is very poor...has been playing on a Kimball for 
 many years...has used the same tuner for the same number of 
 years.  So he finally makes the plunge and buys a brand new 
 model A, Mason & Hamlin.  This was actually before Pianodisc 
 investment so it isn't exactly brand new.  He came to the 
 concert and was orgasmic about his new piano.  He couldn't stop 
 raving...I didn't see him for some months until he called and 
 told me the story of his tuner.  This fellow came in and in no 
 time was filing hammers and needling.  The pianist told me the 
 tuner was complaining about how hard the hammers were to file. 
 Anyway, here I am, the poor sap trying to bring some tone back 
 into the piano.  I have been trying to talk to Rick Baldasin and 
 will ask him for ideas.  I will also contact the factory for 
 advice...
 
 Thanks guys...
  >>

David, 

I would back up a bit. From what you described, there is a possibility that
the hammers have been filed incorrectly. Do they mate and align to the strings
up and down the scale? If not, it is amazing how much difference a good
filing, aligning, and mating the hammers to the strings will make. Ironing the
hammers can create a brighter tone for a limited time.  I usually iron them
and if they get near the level of brightness needed, I have found that heavy
playing of the piano will probably bring them the rest of the way up after a
while. If this does not bring the piano up to the level you want, proceed with
the chemical hardener of your choice. I think it is important to keep in mind
that you are coming in to a sticky situation because of the actions of another
technician. The pianist will appreciate any efforts you make and as his
confidence in you grows, he will be a valuable asset to your business. I would
just suggest going slow at first, analyzing the problem carefully, educating
the pianist about the options available, and, most of all, listening to what
he is saying and how the piano is speaking. Listen twice, voice once...

Best regards,

Dale Probst
Registered Piano Technician
Ward & Probst, Inc.
Piano & Organ Service
Wichita Falls,TX