An important test to do before beginning any work on any piano is to determine what it's tonal potential is. I use the following tests. 1. With a decent unison play A5 a medium hard blow and time the duration of the sound. 12 seconds and below is a dead or dying soundboard, anything over 15 seconds is a good lively soundboard. This is not a definitive test but it is one that is an indicator of what you re contending with. 2. In the higher treble play a note and then pluck one string of that unison with your finger nail or a small pick of some kind. It really doesn't matter because what you are listening for is a change in tone quality. If plucking the string and playing the note produce the same tone quality then you get what you hear and will not be able to get any more out of that note except louder clang. On the other hand if you do get a distinct improvement in tone quality by plucking the strings there is potential for the piano and judicious hardening can bring out that additional good tone and volume. Bear in mind that sustain and loudness are opposite ends of the same stick, you give up one for the other. It is another of the many compromises that are made in every step of our work. If it ain't there you won't get it, just the same but louder. Newton
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