Lance, I have had great success with these "short tones", as they are called, by placing a lead weight on the underside of the soundboard, screwed into the bridge from the underside. This practice is called "mass loading". I use round fishing sinkers, purchased at a fishing tackle store, that look like miniature donuts. Drill a hole in the center for a #8x3/4"woodscrew, and drill a small pilot hole on the bottom of the soundboard upward into the center of the bridge, directly under the offending area. You must experiment with different weights. Try 1/2oz, 1oz, 1-1/2oz, etc. You will find the one that works best. Normally, put the weight directly under the offending area, though you may find other helpful locations nearby by experimentation. The problem is usually in the 1st treble section. This treatment will often turn dreadfully short tones into the best sustaining notes in the area. Be absolutely certain you have completed all the basics first, ie perfect unison tuning (very important) , be sure the strings are well-coupled at the bridge pin, a good surface at the bar, strings leveled, hammers properly shaped, etc. David McCord >>Greetings my fellow keyboard pecking friends. I just moved my shop and >>family and am nearly back in business. I do not recommend moving. >> >>I have a customer with a five year old B in need of sustain in the lower >>treble section. He first needed volume, I added hardener to the low >>shoulders, got the volume and clarity on the attack, but the sound drops >>off immediately and we have no sustain on several of the notes. I will >>next check the strike point in that area, although the high notes are >>right. When I voice Abel hammers, I stick the needle deep down the >>shoulder along the molding for sustain, but was reluctant to try the same >>on the Steinway hammer. Any suggestions? >>Lance Lafargue, RPT >>New Orleans Chapter >>Covington, LA. >>lafargue@iamerica.net >> > > Ron > > > >
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