[CAUT] Yamaha CFIIIS

[David Ilvedson]

Haven't the hammers been reshaped a few times?   We have for use a CFIIIS from Yamaha's concert stock at the SF Ballet.   Last year I complained about the piano was going downhill, after several years.   Yamaha, after getting quotes in the Bay Area, sent up Dave Reed.   He spent a weekend installing the pre-hung hammer, shank and flanges and going through the work.   A different piano.   I would think a 2004 CFIII could use the same thing.   If Yamaha sent a fellow for a couple of days, I would imagine all that can be done to those hammers has been done...you might try deep shoulder needling, 6 mm,  3 needles, at least 12 strikes, starting in the tenor and listen to the difference in tonal structure.   I find the predominance of high partials, which decay quickly, are reduced and fundamental/mid-range are brought forward.   Listen for the tone change to "above" the strings.   This is the projection you need.

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "Dempsey Jr., Paul E" <dempsey at marshall.edu>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Received: 3/22/2010 9:04:53 AM
Subject: [CAUT] Yamaha CFIIIS


>All,

>We have a Yamaha CFIIIS that was purchased in 2004. When it arrived, everyone, 
>and I mean everyone (Students, faculty, and guests), forsook the 42 year old 
>Steinway D that it shares the stage with in favor of the new, "shiny" piano.

>Slowly but surely they all came back to the Steinway. Reasons varied, but the 
>common thread was that the Yamaha lacked the power of the S&S, and had no 
>"personality" so the CFIII was orphaned  in favor of the D. A tech from Yamaha 
>visited and spent two days with the piano but everyone still goes with the old piano.

>So, we are in spring break and I have some time to devote to the Yamaha-reshape 
>hammers, reg and lube, mate strings and voice. You know the drill.

>I am noticing that the hammers are hung with a slight distal angle (about 3 degrees)

>Is this normal for the CFIII? Also, looking at the string impressions in the strike point 
>(they aren't too bad really), it appears that the hammers are very slightly over 
>centering.

>Is the 3 degree bore angle correct? I guess I need to confirm the proper bore 
>distance too. There is no $$$ for new hammers.

>Thoughts?



>Paul E. Dempsey, RPT
>Piano Technician Sr.
>Marshall University
>Huntington, WV
>304-696-5418
>304-617-1149