explanation of battery voicing/needling

[antares]

On 9-mei-04, at 3:39, John Formsma wrote:

> Saw the term in several posts, think I have a general idea what it is,
> but must have missed how that term originated.
>
> Anyone care to elucidate?
>
> John Formsma
>

By battery voicing we mean going into the base of the hammer to get out 
more power.
In some factories (Bechstein and Bösendorfer) the hammers will be 
pre-voiced in the lowest part, just above the staple.
Usually 10 stitches will be given there and usually only by beginners.
This is called pre-voicing, followed by the first real voicing, which 
is a continuation of up-needling.
In other factories (for instance Steinway and Yamaha), the first 
voicing starts by making a cushion, working upwards from 3 or 9 o'clock 
to a 'certain' area under the crown.
With the regular Yamaha series, there is no other option because of the 
stiffness in the lower halve, caused by the impregnation. We just do 
not use this area, it is useless.
With Steinway (Hamburg) however, the method differs from time to time.
During my training there they basically used the upper halve only and 
later, maybe, retraced on their steps if the power supply was not 
enough.
The latter method also has to do with the inconsistency of the hammer 
makers : one set of hammers will give the desired result, the other set 
needs more attention.
The best and safest way in any case is to make your cushion (first 
voicing) working upwards from 3 or 9 o'clock in order to safe the 
remaining power/energy in the battery, the lower halve.This method will 
give you the opportunity to make mistakes and restore them later.
It is also a very safe method to get to know the hammer by making an 
initial voicing pass, and then see what the result is.
The Yamaha hammers also have a battery, but it is very limited. It 
starts right there where the grey impregnation ends, and the battery 
zone is only 5-10 mm wide, before you get into the cushion/shoulder 
area.
The battery is a magic place we can use for more power, but also for 
opening up the sound. Some soundboards ask for heavy battery voicing 
because they are high overtone soundboards.
Bechstein soundboards are like that, and that is why Bechsteins are 
greatest in their mid range and treble. To give a Bechstein a more 
fundamental tone, up-needling or battery voicing is required from the 
start.
Of course I am talking about non laquered high quality hammers and it 
is a general statement, because all hammers and all piano's need a 
unique treatment.
Yamaha is probably the only factory where they teach you at the Academy 
to 'plot' your voicing course by making either mental notes or making 
chalk marks on the keys, and then do a complete first voicing without 
listening 'on the way', followed by a more refined voicing to even it 
out.
Of course this is not the case with the hand made instruments made 
there. A complete voicing takes two days, which is normal for these 
kind of instruments.


friendly greetings
from
André Oorebeek

Amsterdam -
The Netherlands

0031-20-6237357
0645-492389
0031-75-6226878
www.concertpianoservice.nl
www.grandpiano.nl

"may the voice be with you"  (;