new Bechsteins

[Richard Brekne]

Hi Dale

Actually... I do have an opinion... and I think its probably pretty 
close to at least a signifcant chucnk of the truth of the matter.

Bechsteins do not utilize the duplex segements as many instruments do to 
help in the overall sound picture. Indeed the front segment is so short 
as to be essentially non-existant in this regard.  To compensate for the 
lack of high end that especially the front duplex yeilds, they need a 
harder hammer. I personally find that the exact voicing level that 
yeilds a <<pleasant>> Bechstein sound is really really narrow.  It takes 
nothing to get the hammers too soft... and nothing sounds deader in my 
book then a soft voiced Bechstein. So voicing down needs to be done 
carefully, and needs maintaining if the piano is used a lot.

Other reasons for brilliant voicing may get into scale design / 
soundboards issues... but I dont have enough Bechstein specifics on any 
of those to comment.  As far as the general european tone quality..... 
... hmmm you certainly find folks here that like em bright. 

Cheers
RicB



Erwinspiano@aol.com wrote:

>  
>  List
>  Does any one out there have any working knowledge as to Why 
> Bechsteins are voiced so brilliantly. I always though that the 
> European tone preference was darker & cleaner. Andre, Ric Isaac, Got 
> an opinion?
>    Dale
>   Dale Erwin