Baldwin model L

[John M. Formsma]

Bob,

I tuned an M yesterday with a similar problem. It was like the tone was
being sucked up rather than spreading out. I determined voicing would help
only a little, as plucking the string yielded a slightly better tone than
the hammer striking the string. But, I think most of the problem must be in
the board. I don't know the age of this piano, as the plate had been
repainted at some point, but it is an older M. I would guess 1930s - 1940s.

Obviously, with its age, it's not hard to guess that the board is pretty
much gone. The only other newish Baldwin grand I service is a 1999 L, but
the tuning pins are so blasted tight that I'm focusing on how to wrestle it
into tune rather than on the tone. Generally, it sounds all right when I'm
finished, though, but my judgment might be subject since I'm pretty much
debilitated after tuning this beast. This is one of the few pianos that
after I finish, I feel like going home and taking the rest of the day off.
;-)

There has been much written about Baldwins with negative crown - you might
look in the archives.

John Formsma

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Bob Hull
Sent: Friday, May 19, 2006 11:27 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: Baldwin model L

Funny you should mention Baldwin L's.
I just tuned an L (1996 or so model) this week that
has me wondering what is going on.  The sound of
practically every string has a undercurrent of
distortion.  It is a very unclean and fuzzy tone.  The
decay is fast (board more than hammers I think).
Hammers are a little worn but not that much.  

The next time I see this piano I want to try to do
some voicing on a few hammers to see what effect it
has but I think there is something deeper than that. 
What could destroy the tone like this?  A structural
joint that has failed?  Soundboard to rim?  It is not
a pleasant sound at all.  Unfortunately, the customer
has not commented about it.

Bob Hull