Terry/Yamaha Voicing

[David Love]

Having experimented with steam and alcohol as a voicing method, I have to
say that in my experience, it is not a good method for most voicing
situations.  It is almost impossible to use these methods without effecting
the striking surface of the hammer.  However, under many conditions, the
desired effect does not involve softening the crown of the hammer.  There
will be some that need it and some that don't.  There will be many times
when you don't want to change the texture of the crown, rather you will need
to address the hard areas that are deeper in the hammer, perhaps under the
strike point, just off the crown, or in the shoulder.  Only experience and
experimentation will tell you where it is that you need to soften.  It seems
like a nice shortcut, easier on the body, etc..  It may be appropriate for
impossibly hard hammers.  But unless you are completely familiar with it's
effects, I would stick with needles.

David Love


----- Original Message -----
From: <Bigeartb@AOL.COM>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: January 09, 2002 7:58 PM
Subject: Terry/Yamaha Voicing


> Terry:
> Take everything in proper sequence as has been stated: tuning, regulation,
> etc. Lastly consider voicing with the client by your side every moment.
> Voicing is purely subjective. I offer what may be an unorthodox method but
it
> has worked beautifully for me. Mix isopropy alcohol 50%/50% water and
after
> filing your hammers apply one application of this solution on the "too
> hard"hammers . I use a small plastic squeese bottle with a long metal
spout
> (Schaff) and apply "only" one continuous stream from top to bottom of
hammer
> felt at a fairly rapid pace. The only draw back is you must wait until the
> next day to determine the results. However in most cases, I don't have to
do
> much needling but have the needles handy...just in case.
>
> Tommy Black
> Birmingham, Ala.
>