Wants piano softer

[Avery Todd]

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Alan,

You're much better than me! :-)

Avery

At 03:59 PM 5/9/05, you wrote:
>First a practical, guaranteed, and extreeeeemely satisfying solution (A), 
>then a possible real-world  approach (B):
>
>A.    I would soften a Gulbranson by dissolving it in three gallons of 
>kerosine, soak it for about at least 4 hours. Then, while the wood is 
>still wet, use a propane torch to dry it. For your safety, I recommend 
>doing this in a place with plenty of ventilation ... like outdoors.
>
>B.    Shortening the blow doesn't make sense, to me, unless it is already 
>more than 1.75 inches. Like the "soft" key misnomer, a person can still 
>play plenty loud with the keys raised. It won't really solve the problem 
>and you will be throwing off the whole regulation; I doubt she wants to 
>pay you to make all that right.
>
>The real problem, I'm assuming, is two-fold:
>
>     1.     You have worn, hard hammers beating on strings that have a lot 
> of noise in them, a.k.a. wild and whiny.
>
>     2.    The piano probably had only basic and semi-accurate regulation 
> coming out of the factory, nothing in the store, and nothing since even 
> though parts have been wearing out, hammers flattening, etc., for years. 
> Therefore, it is very hard for the pianist to play softly. or maybe even 
> moderately, with good control and no notes "missing," etc. So playing 
> hard has become "normal" for her; she may not even realize how hard she's 
> playing or why.
>
>I would have her sit at the piano and talk with you about what she is 
>hearing so you can make sure you are hearing the same thing and understand 
>her complaint. See if there is any control in playing at softer dynamics. 
>Take a look at the hammers, rest rail felt, let off, lost motion, etc. 
>Then see what you can improve with some hammer shaping, touch-up 
>regulating, string seating, CA on the bridges, etc. Lastly, judiciously, 
>carefully stab the hammers repeatedly until they stop screaming.
>
>Alan Barnard
>Salem, Missouri
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: <mailto:doepkeb@comcast.net>Brian Doepke
>To: <mailto:pianotech@ptg.org>Pianotech
>Sent: 05/09/2005 2:59:00 PM
>Subject: Wants piano softer
>
>Hello List,
>
>I received a call from a customer who has a Gulbranson console 
>piano.  They wish to have the piano "softer". When the player puts cotton 
>in her ears, then its fine.
>
>I am thinking to reduce the hammer blow distance.
>
>Any other ideas from you folks?
>
>
>
>      Brian P. Doepke
>
>       A.A.A. Piano Works, Inc
>
>
>
>

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