We have been using "dry erase" markers here - the kind they use on the "white boards" in the classroom. The marks they leave don't rub off when touched but will come right off with solvent (I use "goof off" brand spot remover). Chalk rubs off immediately and the constant re-application tends to leave piles of chalk "crumbs" on the soundboard. Tape will dampen the string and leave bad residue which will have to be removed with solvent anyway. I don't know about crayon....might be hard to get off. Any marks made on bass strings must be carefully kept from getting into the cracks between windings....just gently mark the outer edge of the windings. Give the pianist a soft cotton cloth to (carefully) wipe off the strings where (s)he touches them immediately after the performance. Take the time to remove the marks yourself - that way you know it will get done well! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Eric Wolfley Head Piano Technician Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music University of Cincinnati ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -----Original Message----- From: Blaine Vesely [mailto:bvesely@kent.edu] Sent: Monday, August 26, 2002 1:46 PM To: caut@ptg.org Subject: Crumbling pianos? List, Anyone have experience with "Music for a Summer Evening" by George Crumb? Music director says "No nuts and bolts in this one, more like strumming and plucking at specific nodal points on the strings." I am interested in how others have marked plucking points on strings. The performance is in 3 1/2 weeks so I need to formulate a plan. One of the pianists indicated he has used chalk; he also has put small pieces of tape around the string. The instructions in the score indicate using crayon. What are the chances that the bass strings will develop "delayed onset metallitis"? Blaine Vesely Kent State University
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