[pianotech] silent system

[Larry Fisher RPT]

Assuming this is a grand piano with the QuietTime feature from 
MSR/PianoDisc.

Is it tricky to install ?

The first one was a bit of a challenge but now I can install them with 
confidence.  Locating the hole in the horn, if there is one, is probably the 
most challenging.  Your first one will take all day.  I install them now in 
about 5 hours.

Do you have to modify the action frame ?

As I recall, a Baldwin action frame was the only one I've had to modify. 
The struts between the rails were too thick and so I had to use a 
"Saf-T-Planer" to reduce their size enough to accomodate the TFT rails.  The 
keys need to clear the components on the TFT strips when depressed and so 
some wood may need to be removed from the underside of the keys on those 
notes that have a clearance problem.  If you have to remove wood off of 
every key than you need to lower the TFT strips  ........   hence the need 
to remove wood from the struts.

 Do you have to alter the let off setting ?

Yes.  Let off should occur just as the hammer shank touches the stop rail. 
When the rail is properly installed, this distance is typically 5 mm.

  Is the mute system really silent ?

You'll hear the action noise as well as the sound of the hammer shanks 
contacting the mute rails.  The strings will not be making any sound.

 Are the samples of good quality ?

Depends on the sound module.  The TFT system provides note number dynamics 
and duration in MIDI language.  The tone module provides the sampling.  MSR 
or PianoDIsc (same company) has a module that can be ordered with the 
QuietTime package.

 Fluently playable ?

Exact same feel as before .......  just a wee bit more let off and 5 grams 
of additional key touch weight.  I've not had anyone have any issues with 
this.  Electronic responses are different than mechanical ones.  If you were 
to graze a key while playing the TFT strips would sense this and you'll have 
errors in the headphones.  Setting the preload on the TFT fingers to be at a 
minimum will help with this.  The system is adjustable for response curves, 
volume sensitivity between sharps and naturals, and a few other things that 
I'm not remembering at the moment.

Lar





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