[CAUT] Boston pianos

[Ric Brekne]

Hi folkens.

I have had some time to work more with this 126 upright we have and am 
begining to wonder whether or not the instrument was designed purposely 
to be just a bit on the quite side.  After a couple voicing sessions I 
think I have the thing figured out and have gotten a very pleasing voice 
out of the instrument. And, if you have the thing in an open room the 
instrument projects very nicely from the back side. Sitting at the piano 
however one simply must open the top a bit unless one wants a very 
subdued sound.  I got to thinking about the pros and cons of this.  
Actually... there are some distinct advantages here.  Most often 
uprights are used in situations where they simply do not need much 
power.  In fact I think you could argue that a quiet piano is just the 
thing for many situations.  In such cases the Boston, with a closed top 
and back against a wall would fit the bill.  Opening the top yeilds a 
rather dramatic increase in sound.  So much so that I have a hard time 
thinking they didnt do this on purpose... I  mean they must have at 
least noticed this affect by now and they've had all kinds of oportunity 
to change things...and they havent. 

Finnally... having the instrument in the open  and listening from an 
audience perspective with the soundboard angled slightly towards the 
audience... the instrument sounded quite wonderful. Delightful 
actually.  Plenty of power and a very nice balance... a pretty voice I'd 
have to say.  By no means overpowering to be sure. But all in all... I 
think I kind of like them. 

Still.... I would like just a bit more sound out front without having to 
open the top.  A different kind of front panel might be an answer....

Anyways... I am still anxious to hear what Ron Overs has to say about 
the reasoning behind his last post on the subject. How does a soundboard 
get designed purposely to be quiet, yet maintaining a pleasing balance ?

Cheers
RicB