puzzlement

[Ron Nossaman]

Ed Carwithen wrote:
> The problem is a very prominent ring in all registers but particularly 
> in the low.  The piano is an Everett console, #260365.  Fairly recent 
> with metal support beams instead of wood in the back.  After playing a 
> note or chord the dampers cut off the tone, but there is a strong after 
> ring which can persist for seven to ten seconds.  The dampers are good 
> and are sitting properly on the strings.  When the strings behind the 
> dampers are pressed the dampers follow.  You can hear the actual tone of 
> the struck note cut off when the damper recontacts the string, but the 
> echo tone continues. 
>  
> The piano has metal casters sitting on a wood floor in front of a sheet 
> rock wall.  It occurred to me that the casters were transferring the 
> vibrations to the floor directly causing the floor to act as a general 
> resonator.  I tried rubber furniture cups under the wheels and also a 
> heavy rug with a rubber backing as well as the rubber cups on top of the 
> rug.  There was no improvement.  I tried blankets in back with no 
> improvement. 
>  
> Does anyone have any suggestions of things that might improve this 
> situation by diminishing the after ring??
>  
> Ed Carwithen
> John Day, OR


I had one just like this about a week ago and decided it was most 
likely open back scales in the low tenor. The customer opted to 
could put up with it rather than pay the price of finding out. If it 
continues to gnaw at her, she may eventually decide it's worth the 
price to chase down and kill. Until then, it sings on. I 'spose 
we'll see.

Ron N