Voicing Technique

[David Andersen]

>   SOOOO when you deep needle thru the top and and also just at the ends of 
>the string marks at the appropriate time in the process you affect all three 
>elements of the sound -- sizzle, clang and boom. This achievable with a 
>minimum of needle strokes and the effect is far more permanent than shallow 
>needling. Sustain will improve as well as tonal balance and overall clarity. 
>This technique is probably non detrimental up to 4-8 strokes.  More than 
>that 
>will (could) weaken the hammer and the tone will remain a bit mushy (or 
>dark). Not to worry. If you do nothing and the piano plays back in the sound 
>will recover (usually) to a very nice level. Or use fine sandpaper(400-600) 
>over the top to file off loose fibers and massage the top which repacks the 
>felt. Iron, tap with the back of your voicing tool, etc., to recompact the 
>felt.

Great post, Dale.  Great info, clear explanation of the mechanics 
involved.  Using the body as a feedback loop is ALWAYS, I find, a road to 
better tone & touch.  There is almost an acupunctural feel you can 
develop---sliding your needle into the crown felt just at the point where 
it becomes 
super-hard---the way I visualize it, down along  the sides of the "sacred 
triangle."

Thanks for your wisdom......David Andersen
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