>>> Michael Wathen <Michael.Wathen@UC.Edu>wrote >04/01/97 06:03am >>> >My gut feeling is that tone in pianos die because over time the strings are >coupled more strongly. They dig into the wood and pins and they learn how >to become one with the bridge and soundboard system thereby transferring >their energy too quickly into the system. In new pianos the degree of >coupling is much less so that sustain is much better. Michael An interesting observation and a good topic for discussion. I have had a problem piano under my care which has a very indistinct tone especially on a hard blow in the area approximately notes 50-65.(next to last section on the tenor bridge) I call it a "plinky" sound. The note is not clear as a bell, but sounds distinctly frayed, right from the onset. I found two things would correct the problem; tapping the bridge pins slightly sideways to increase side bearing OR needling the strike point to fluff up the contact surface. How both of these are related I still am not sure. I do know that in order to continue fixing the problem I can't keep tapping bridge pins, so I have resorted to fluffing up the strike point and going home with an improved sound, but not a permanent solution by any means. I am looking forward to trying the soundboard test which Vince has suggested in this area. I visit the beast again tomorrow. I'll keep you posted if any results are worth sharing. FYI: This piano is only twelve years old. Has a new bridge in our attempts to cure the problem. It has Renner red hammers. Original board. Lots of hours of frustration. David Sanderson Littleton, MA Pianobiz@juno.com We just accumulated 20" of snow this very day. NOT April Fool's either. ----------------REPLY---------------------------------------- I agree with Michael. Bridge recapping is an essential consideration on these older pianos I will also point out that crown is most important right under the bridge. When measuring for crown, don't be fooled. The carpet thread should not touch the board anywhere (except at the ends). Quite often there will be a space in the middle, but the board is touching the thread in places other places too. Also don't just limit your test along side of the longest rib. Do some testing up in the treble too. Actually the first place I test for crown is around the third and fourth rib from the treble end. Vince Mrykalo BYU "My dogma ran after my karma"
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC