[pianotech] tack attack

[wimblees at aol.com]

Tom

I know you want to do this job right, but please take into consideration that what you're going to do to this piano is beyond the realm of normal. I wouldn't worry too much where the tacks are located, even in the 7th octave. Put in the tacks, and if it doesn't sound right, try again.?I don't think you're going to do anymore harm to the hammers by shoving the tacks in at various angles. I hope you've explain to your customer that in all likely hood, the hammers will suffer irreparable harm,?which will forever alter the sound of the piano. 


Willem (Wim) Blees, RPT
Piano Tuner/Technician
Mililani, Oahu, HI
808-349-2943
Author of: 
The Business of Piano Tuning
available from Potter Press
www.pianotuning.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Sivak <tvaktvak at sbcglobal.net>
To: pianotech <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Thu, 27 Nov 2008 3:51 am
Subject: [pianotech] tack attack



List

Going back next week to convert an old Strohbe console into a tack piano.  I 
discussed with the owner the pros and cons and he decided he wants me to install 
actual tacks on the hammers.   He knows this will trash the hammers, but he 
doesn't care.  What he wants is that sound.

This guy has two state-of-the-art recording studios in his home where he records 
his own music.  He wants to do some recording with this tack piano.   I feel 
like I have one chance to get this right, if possible. 

So...

This brings up a few questions.  Like the strike point in octave 7.  The tack is 
going to have more surface area than the hammer did.  Gotta get under the 
V-bar---I'm afraid if I just put it square on the end of the hammer it's going 
to hit the V-bar and not make any sound.   Any advice on this?  (Maybe I'll have 
to clip the top of the tack off to make a half circle?  Or...?)

And...what about the tacks themselves?  I mean, does anybody have any experience 
with this?   Is there any thing I should look for in choosing the actual tacks?  
(The owner said, "Go to Office Depot and get the very best tacks you can find.  
Don't skimp!"  He was being funny...) 

Any advice from anyone who has actually done this would be invaluable.  And any 
advice from anyone who hasn't done this would be appreciated, too!

Thanks and I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving Day!

Tom Sivak
Chicago

  


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