[pianotech] can I take a different tack?

[Pianoman]

I do not know why so many people disparage Schaff Piano Supply.  They have 
been my main supplier for 46 years now.  They give good solid service at 
reasonable prices and they are my supplier of all things piano .  Do not 
disparage one of the oldest piano supply companies around.  That is my 2 
cents worth.
James Grebe
Since 1962
Piano Tuning & Repair
Creator of Handsome Hardwood Products(
314) 608-4137   1526 Raspberry Lane   Arnold, MO 63010
Researcher of St. Louis Theatre History
BECOME WHAT YOU BELIEVE!
www.grebepiano.com
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Sivak" <tvaktvak at sbcglobal.net>
To: "pianotech" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 5:17 PM
Subject: [pianotech] can I take a different tack?


> List
>
> On Wednesday I am going to be asked about converting an upright piano into 
> a "Tack Piano".
>
> I know that Schaff has a rail that can be installed to simulate the "Tack 
> Piano" sound, but I'm not convinced it will work very well.  After all, 
> it's from Schaff!
>
> Oooh, I can't believe I wrote that!
>
> No, what I meant was, after all, mute rails don't work very well either, 
> even on Yamahas, so why would a self-installed tack piano rail work?  On 
> the other hand, it would be non-invasive and non-permanent.
>
> But, I'm wondering about other options.  Certainly actual tacks could be 
> inserted into the hammer at the strike point---I assume that's what was 
> done originally.  Why else would it be called a "tack piano"?  That would 
> work wouldn't it?
>
> I also wonder if the hammers could be doped to be hard enough to simulate 
> the tack piano sound.   The negative here would be the relative permanence 
> of the modification.
>
> I'm open to other suggestions or flames in my general direction.  However, 
> before anyone throws dirt at the client who wants this done, I should 
> mention that he's a rather high profile successful rock musician with Gold 
> Records and all that comes with it.   This is my first appointment with 
> him, so I'm interested in accommodating him in whatever way I can.
>
> Including buying 88 tacks and shoving them into the hammers, one by one, 
> if that's what it takes.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Tom Sivak
> Chicago
>
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>
>
>