Could be hammers, could be improperly leaded keys, could be capstan position, could be center rail location, could be friction from a variety of sources, could be something as simple as new hammer rail springs having way too much tension - or for that matter, damper springs with too much tension. Or any combination of the aforementioned. Or all of them. And I believe it is more likely that the prospective customers are simply looking for a touchweight somewhere near original Stwy spec of 48 to 52 grams and not "the soft touch of an electronic keyboard." I service a couple old Stwys at a local recital hall - a Large and a Big. They both play like Mack trucks. I recently asked a performer what she thought of the way one of them played - she said: "Well, the touch is quite heavy, but that's OK because I am used to it - I have a Stwy at home!" Geeeeesh! Terry Farrell ----- Original Message ----- From: "Isaac OLEG" <oleg-i@wanadoo.fr> To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org> Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2003 4:19 AM Subject: RE: Steinway heavy touch > Roy, > > I believe the only reason is that hammers are heavier these days. > That was the first reason to buy a gram scale a few years ago. > And indeed when I was a younger tech gram scales where not cheap or > accessible to piano techs, I have one I have paid ?100 -USD 100 env. > > You 'll probably have to thin those hammers. > > Best > Isaac OLEG > > Entretien et reparation de pianos. > > PianoTech > 17 rue de Choisy > 94400 VITRY sur SEINE > FRANCE > tel : 033 01 47 18 06 98 > fax : 033 01 47 18 06 90 > cell: 06 60 42 58 77 > > -----Message d'origine----- > De : pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]De la > part de RCzekay@aol.com > Envoye : dimanche 15 juin 2003 03:16 > A : pianotech@ptg.org > Objet : Steinway heavy touch > > > I know that Steinway pianos, both the verticals, and grands have for years > been noted for their heavy touches. I have a beautiful 1886 vertical, > completely restored that plays and sounds great, but every prospective > customer complains about the heavy touch. Does anyone know of a way to make > the touch lighter. I have played the piano for over 60 years, and I myself > like the touch of a Steinway. But, I guess in this era, everyone wants the > soft touch of an electronic keyboard. > > Roy Czekay, > rczekay@aol.com >
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