Steinway heavy touch

[Farrell]

Could be hammers, could be improperly leaded keys, could be capstan position, could be center rail location, could be friction from a variety of sources, could be something as simple as new hammer rail springs having way too much tension - or for that matter, damper springs with too much tension. Or any combination of the aforementioned. Or all of them. 

And I believe it is more likely that the prospective customers are simply looking for a touchweight somewhere near original Stwy spec of 48 to 52 grams and not "the soft touch of an electronic keyboard."

I service a couple old Stwys at a local recital hall - a Large and a Big. They both play like Mack trucks. I recently asked a performer what she thought of the way one of them played - she said: "Well, the touch is quite heavy, but that's OK because I am used to it - I have a Stwy at home!"

Geeeeesh!

Terry Farrell
  
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Isaac OLEG" <oleg-i@wanadoo.fr>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2003 4:19 AM
Subject: RE: Steinway heavy touch


> Roy,
> 
> I believe the only reason is that hammers are heavier these days.
> That was the first reason to buy a gram scale a few years ago.
> And indeed when I was a younger tech gram scales where not cheap or
> accessible to piano techs, I have one I have paid ?100 -USD 100 env.
> 
> You 'll probably have to thin those hammers.
> 
> Best
> Isaac OLEG
> 
> Entretien et reparation de pianos.
> 
> PianoTech
> 17 rue de Choisy
> 94400 VITRY sur SEINE
> FRANCE
> tel : 033 01 47 18 06 98
> fax : 033 01 47 18 06 90
> cell: 06 60 42 58 77
> 
>   -----Message d'origine-----
>   De : pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]De la
> part de RCzekay@aol.com
>   Envoye : dimanche 15 juin 2003 03:16
>   A : pianotech@ptg.org
>   Objet : Steinway heavy touch
> 
> 
>   I know that Steinway pianos, both the verticals, and grands have for years
> been noted for their heavy touches. I have a beautiful 1886 vertical,
> completely restored that plays and sounds great, but every prospective
> customer complains about the heavy touch. Does anyone know of a way to make
> the touch lighter. I have played the piano for over 60 years, and I myself
> like the touch of a Steinway. But, I guess in this era, everyone wants the
> soft touch of an electronic keyboard.
> 
>   Roy Czekay,
>   rczekay@aol.com
>