friction.... yet another attempt

[antares]

On 28-aug-04, at 1:48, Bec and John wrote:

> Hi Andre,

Hello John,
>
> I haven't really been following the thread much, so I'm not confident 
> I'm following accurately, but I was thinking similarly to what you 
> wrote in your last paragraph (quoted below).
>
> I think there is an element of control given more muscle usage (or at 
> least a higher margin of error). Kind of like trying to hold a large 
> box steady that is very light vs. one with more weight.
>
> As a pianist, though I may adapt to a very light action, I wouldn't be 
> surprised if I had less "control" over dynamics given a smaller range 
> of muscle exertion, in comparison to a heavier action. However, 
> whomever you are replying to seemed to not be saying the weight needs 
> to be changed, but rather friction. But then again, wouldn't friction 
> just add to the weight, effectively?

Friction of course adds to the weight.
I was just pointing out that applying too much anti-friction materials, 
or, for that matter, making an action 'fly' so to speak, may cause more 
than one problem for both the pianist and the technician.
I have had this experience myself.
That's exactly what I described in my last emails to this list.
The first one was an extensive example of how I came to know about the 
effects of anti-friction stuff, and the later ones were warnings for 
over kill.

That's all.

nevertheless, I also pointed out that some pianists (like Horowitz) 
like very fast piano's. They apparently have the ability to control the 
speedy action where as other usually prefer 'safer grounds'

André


>
> - John
>
>
>> I do know what I am talking about and I have been around for some 
>> time.
>> If you like a light playing and friction free piano, that's more than 
>> fine. It does not mean that all piano's should be as light and 
>> friction free as is possible.
>> Most pianists (most pianists) like to control their action. To 
>> control a piano action, you need to have a force you put your energy 
>> in, otherwise it's like an aeolian harp hanging in a tree, played by 
>> mere wind.
>>
>
>

André Oorebeek