[CAUT] WAPIN INSTALLATION: LIVE!

[Tim Coates]

I stand by my statements.  Especially about the Rebuilders Gallery.  I 
always want to know what an instrument sounded like before it was 
rebuilt.  There is a lot to be learned from the sound of a "shot" 
piano.  I hope Mark records this piano in as many different ways as 
possible before and after.  It's been done over and over.  But one more 
time will always be better.

Jim's post is interesting, but lacks history and information about the 
process.

We were asked to do a before and after test in Rochester.  Not under 
our control.  The tape markers used in the test were removed in a 
supposed secure area by an unknown person.   The hall supervisor 
apologized profusely.  But the underlying attitude exists.

At least we learned how to approach the testing that was attempted at 
Rochester.  One conclusion was this type of testing should NOT done at 
a convention.   Plans are being made to do the testing correctly 
without someone sabotaging the experiments.

Have questions?  Go to Brandon University.  Mark is a great technician. 
  He admits he is skeptical of Wapin, but he is willing to take a look 
and make it possible for others to observe.  Even when Mark and I 
disagree (remember the agraffe polishing procedures?) I still have the 
utmost respect for him.

Tim Coates




On Nov 4, 2006, at 9:44 AM, Rick.Florence at asu.edu wrote:

> Quoting Tim Coates <tcoates1 at sio.midco.net>:
>
>> As far as I'm concerned, when someone like Olga Kern
>> likes a piano you respect the piano.
>
> I agree, but does she like it because of the Wapin bridge?  How can you
> attribute her approval of the piano to a single element of such a 
> complex
> instrument?
>
>> I never got to hear any of the
>> pianos in the Rebuilders Gallery at Rochester before they were 
>> rebuilt.
>> And I didn't hear anyone say "Yes, but what did it sound like
>> before?"
>
> I'm not sure I see the logic of your statement.  The rebuilders 
> gallery pianos
> were total rebuilds (new piano in Ron Overs' case) that were meant to 
> display
> the results of a compete work.  It didn't matter what they sounded 
> like before.
>
>
>> I don't believe Mark has given you the full story on the Baldwin D 
>> that
>>
>> will be retrofit.  He has installed two new soundboards to try and get
>>
>> the sound he wants.  Mark knows what he is doing with soundboard
>> installation.  From what Mark says it still doesn't sound the way he
>> wants.   What will Wapin do?  I guess we'll find out, eh?
>
>
> I hope this goes well and you end up with an improved piano.  I have 
> to agree
> with Jim Ellis though, there are many variables that may be overlooked.
>
> Have fun, I wish I could be there,
>
> Rick
>
>
> ________________
> Rick Florence
> Piano Technician
> Arizona State University, School of Music
>