New Bostons

[Fred S. Sturm]

    I do it when the pianos are starting to sound harsh. Not just when I
can start to see grooves (which really happens almost next day). But once
they are deeply grooved, you can't really use the technique until you file.
Steam will expand the non-grooved areas so they tend to damp the string as
they rebound, and you can't iron successfully.
    In a practice room, it might be around once a semester or so. Depends
on use level. And then file when the grooving is deep enough that steam and
ironing doesn't bring it back.
Fred

David Ilvedson wrote:

> I'm interested in trying this...is it best? to do this before the string
> marks
> get to pronounced?  I quess what I'm asking is this best done often
> or does
> harm the hammer if done too much?
>
> David I.
> On 26 Jan 2003 at 12:13, Fred S. Sturm wrote:
>
> >     I'll echo what Phil says, and refer to what Roger wrote, too: day
> >     to day,
> > steam voicing as maintenance is a quick, well aimed shot to the very
> > crown. Pulls the grooves back virtually level. Then iron. This is the
> > very best way to extend the useful lives of hammers available. (The
> > alternative is to file and sugarcoat, which will get you to need
> > replacement real quick).
> >     For my part, I much prefer doing my shoulder work with needles,
> >     assuming I
> > have hammers like Abels. I like the control and the results better.
> > But when the hammers are rocks, and I'm facing hours of torture
> > (Samicks and the like), steam is the way to go. Then maybe needles for
> > finish. Regards, Fred Sturm
> >
> > Phil Bondi wrote:
> >
> > > I want to back up Roger's recent statement of Steam Voicing by
> > > saying I have used this technique on new and old hammers, Asian and
> > > American alike, with great long-term results.
> > >
> > > There's quite a few new Grands in SWFL under 5'(mostly Asian
> > > hammers) that sound alot bigger than they are, thanks to steam
> > > voicing.
> > >
> > > On these rock-hard hammers, steam opens them up to accept needling
> > > for the final touch, but without steam first, it's like trying to
> > > poke a hole in a rock with a blade of grass.
> > >
> > > -Phil Bondi (Fl.)
> > > phil@philbondi.com
> > >
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