M & H upright

[Carl Meyer]

This is a 1903 M H upright that I've restrung after rescaling and just put 
on a new set of Ronsen hammers with Bacon felt and soft maple cores.  It has 
a pianocorder installed.  My main concern has been to have a piano that 
plays softly.  After installing about 130 pianocorders the biggest complaint 
has been "Its too loud"  "Go in the bathroom if you want to talk"  There is 
a normal threshold where the piano won't play.  Pneumatic pianos have the 
most power at the beginning of the stroke but solenoid driven ones have the 
most power at the end and its not linear.  It's not easy to get a solenoid 
to perform like a pneumatic.

My intent was to use soft light hammers and reduced stroke to make the piano 
play as soft as possible and still function well.

Other ways to reduce volume would be to stuff shag carpet or foam in the 
back between the posts.

The new hammers were dramatic in reducing the volume.  I may have to juice 
it up some.

I reduced the hammer blow to about 1 3/4.  I had to adjust the backcheck to 
check at 3/8-1/2 inch to prevent bobbling.  It seems to play okay manually 
(I'm not a pianist) but from the pianocorder it still seems to bobble and 
not repeat right.  the solenoids seem to be adjusted correctly.

This piano has the brass leaf springs on the jacks.  I have come to the 
conclusion that these springs are causing the butts to dance on the jack tip 
since the jack gets in the way due to the springs trying to push the jack 
back under the butt.  This then causes the unstable operation from the 
solenoids.

I'm considering removing the leaf springs.  I know they are there to 
increase repetition, but in this situation I think they are the source of 
the problem.  Would I need a flame suit if I removed them?  I don't like hot 
weather.

Another thing I'm considering is replacing the hammer return springs.  I 
recall years ago finding that weak return springs will cause bobbling. 
Dampers are on the list as well.

I just today have contracted to install a pianocorder in a Horugal grand 
piano.  They want it with a wireless unit from a computer, complete with a 
wireless power switch.

I am sure having a ball with this unit.  I can even download some of Yamahas 
music and play it on my piano.

Just go to Pianocorder on Google and find out about Mark Fontana's plug in 
that converts midi to pianocorder.  I can control tempo, volume and 
transpose from the mouse.  Lotsa fun and unlimited source of music.

What do youse all think of removing the lead springs??  Thanks

Carl Meyer PTG assoc
Santa Clara, Ca.