dilemma

[A440A@aol.com]

Wim writes: 
<< >I have somewhat of a dilemma. It has to do with the new D. If you recall, 

>I've had two artists complain about the tone of the piano. Now the piano 

>faculty have convinced themselves that they don't like it either and that 

>there is something wrong with the piano. But instead of asking me to fix 

>the problem, they are pursuing the idea of getting a "consultant" in here 

>to work on the piano. I know who they want to get, and I have no problem 

>with this person. This person is highly qualified, and a friend of mine. 

>But here is where I have a dilemma. >>

   You may also have a dilemma lurking up ahead.  What can happen is that the 
outsider comes in and does his thing, and you maintain it afterwards.  Though 
the piano will be in fine shape for a bit, as soon as it begins to 
deteriorate,  the faculty will wonder why you can't keep it just like it was!  
  I have seen this before, and it tends to occur when the "Steinway voicing", 
(which is usually a heavy handed soaking of the hammers combined with needles 
for the harshest ones),  goes south.  This is a common problem I see with the 
use of soft hammers and excessive lacquer;  it sounds great for a semester or 
two, and then becomes impossible to voice.  
   The only way around it, that I see, is to pre-warn the faculty that the 
glorious sound is not very durable, regardless of who is working on it.  If the 
piano proves you wrong, they may forget you said it, but if it sounds like a 
tin can in a year, you will be on record as having had reservations.  
Good luck,  it still sounds like they don't trust you!  


Ed Foote RPT 
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html