voicing mixtures and procedures

[Joe & Penny Goss]

Called him and got voice mail. Will let you know. I feel that this is a
chance for him to put a good foot forward for Samick.
Joe

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> From: Paul S. Larudee <larudee@pacbell.net>
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: Re: voicing mixtures and procedures
> Date: Saturday, September 04, 1999 8:39 AM
> 
> zoran grujic wrote:
> > 
> > 
> >     Hi List,
> > 
> >      my name is Zoran Grujic,I work as piano teacher and technician in
> > Yugoslavia.I will have much voicing work on rock-hard hammers in
> > old,bad grands in musical school here.I would like to hear some of
> > your experiences about hammer softeners (alcohol/water,or some other
> > mixture).How much water goes into alcohol?How to apply it?I am also
> > interested in shelac hammer hardener,which was in use before
> > lacquers.The same questions as before.I checked archives,but didn't
> > get all answers about it.
> >     Many thanks in advance.Regards,
> > 
> > 
> >                                                              Zoran
> > 
> > 
> > zorang@mgnet.co.yu
> 
> Zoran,
> 
> Antares' post is a thing of beauty and by far the best procedure to
> follow, in my opinion.  However, if you are dealing with deeply grooved
> hammers, too many pianos, not enough time and no money at all, I suggest
> doing exactly the opposite of what we have all been taught.  Drive the
> needles right into the string grooves, halfway to the moulding, if you
> can, two to four times per groove, depending on the size of the hammer. 
> Instant harshness reduction!  Mind you, I don't recommend it for new
> pianos in good condition, and the results don't last as long, but if you
> have only 15 minutes per piano, it works and you don't have to worry
> about the hammers expanding as with liquids.
> 
> For uprights I use a combination tool which can be set at a very acute
> angle.  I place the tool against the strings and simply push the hammer
> into it.  For grands, the traditional needling method is fine, but I
> like to use a single needle motorized rotary tool for better speed, ease
> and control, and a through-the-string voicer for touchup.
> 
> Paul S. Larudee, RPT
> Richmond, CA