how long until good sound

[Jon Page]

At 03:54 PM 10/4/2002 -0400, you wrote:

I restrung a Steinert grand many years ago (about 20) and was dissatisfied 
with the outcome to the extent that I was
contemplating pulling it apart and changing the down bearing.

Surprisingly, after a few weeks it started to sound  acceptable. A few 
years later it was fine and used for performances at the school auditorium.

About 5 years ago it took a header off the stage. The treble rim broke 
about 3" down from the top to just behind the curve. It sprung out like an
arm extended outwards.  I clamped and epoxied it back and reinforced it 
with steel rods.  Filled the case and reveneered the top and 'you'd never 
know'...

Regards,

Jon Page
> > So to answer your question, I would have to say immediately.
> >
> > Wim
>
>It has been my observation that it takes six to twelve months for a set
>of good hammers to open up and become what they will be.  It is
>noticeable when you tune the same piano over and over and over at a
>university setting and see how a new set changes.
>
>A new soundboard will take about a year to stabilize as well.
>
>As Wim says, the potential will be fairly obvious and so will the
>limits.  It does take some experience to know the difference but waiting
>for the year will tell the whole story.  If the board is good then the
>strings will have sustain.  If the hammers are good the tone quality
>will be obvious even though you will need to wait.  If the tone is not
>there at all then it is likely not going to come out not matter the
>maturing of the parts.  A shimmed board will be what it will be, it is
>only a new board that will mature.  If the new hammer sound like dock
>sweepings then they will be no better than that at the end.
>
>You can just touch a piece of furniture and know that it is either cheap
>crap or high quality stuff.  So it is with pianos but you do need to
>know what you are listen for.  Experience is.
>
>                 Newton
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