<html> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=blue> <div class=Section1> Good to see you on the List, Michael. Please join in!! jeannie   <div> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1> </div> From: michael campi [mailto:campimichael@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2007 6:49 PM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: OT I have come from the shadows </div>   <div> Hi Everyone, I've been a' lurkin on this here list for quite awhile and at Dale Erwin's suggestion I am coming from the dark. I have got a few things I need to get out of my shop and they are one brand new set of Renner #913017 shanks and flanges, one brand new set of Renner G3-M hammers and one Bolduc Upright Pinblock removing Jig. If anyone is interested contact me off list at <a href="mailto:campimichael@hotmail.com">campimichael@hotmail.com</a> or (909)949-1955. I may join in on one of these discussions some day now that I can. Talk to you soon. Michael <blockquote style='border:none;border-left:solid #A0C6E5 1.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt; margin-left:3.75pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt'> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'> <hr size=1 width="100%" noshade color="#a0c6e5" align=center> </div> From: pianotech-request@ptg.org Reply-To: pianotech@ptg.org To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Pianotech Digest, Vol 1285, Issue 49 Date: Thu, 08 Mar 2007 18:48:02 -0700 >Send Pianotech mailing list submissions to > pianotech@ptg.org > >To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives >or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > pianotech-request@ptg.org > >You can reach the person managing the list at > pianotech-owner@ptg.org > >When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >than "Re: Contents of Pianotech digest..." >Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: keyframe return spring (Ron Overs) > 2. Re: keyframe return spring (Allen Wright) > 3. Re: Busy Soundboard Weekend (Kenneth Jankura) > 4. Re: Bechstein hammer #1 (Concert Piano Service) > 5. Knabe keyboard/bed problem (R Barber) > 6. Knabe key bushings (Barbara Richmond) > 7. Re: Bechstein hammer #1 (Allen Wright) > 8. Re: Ahhh, marketing (Avery) <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'> <hr size=1 width="100%" noshade color="#a0c6e5" align=center> </div> From: Ron Overs <sec@overspianos.com.au> Reply-To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> Subject: Re: keyframe return spring Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2007 09:00:43 +1100 >>Here's a sweet idea from the old Bechstein I've referenced in a >>couple of other posts; the return spring has a roller bearing on >>the end. How humane and enlightened is that? Any body seen this >>feature before? > >Yes Allen, Blüthner have used the same idea for a long time. Don't >know if they continue to use it in their current instruments. > >I considered the idea for our piano, but I've found another solution >which yields very low spring/action frame friction, and is a cheaper >solution. > >Ron O. >Web http://overspianos.com.au >mailto:ron@overspianos.com.au >_______________________ > > <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'> <hr size=1 width="100%" noshade color="#a0c6e5" align=center> </div> From: Allen Wright <akwright@btopenworld.com> Reply-To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> Subject: Re: keyframe return spring Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2007 22:26:22 +0000 oh, interesting, Ron, thanks. I don't have much experience with Bluthner at all. <div>   </div> <div> How does your spring work, I'm curious?  </div> <div>   </div> <div> Allen <div> <div> On 8 Mar 2007, at 22:00, Ron Overs wrote: </div> <blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'>   <blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'> <div> Here's a sweet idea from the old Bechstein I've referenced in a couple of other posts; the return spring has a roller bearing on the end. How humane and enlightened is that? Any body seen this feature before? </div> </blockquote> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   </div> <div> Yes Allen, Blüthner have used the same idea for a long time. Don't know if they continue to use it in their current instruments. </div> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   </div> <div> I considered the idea for our piano, but I've found another solution which yields very low spring/action frame friction, and is a cheaper solution. </div> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   </div> <div> Ron O. </div> <div> --  </div> <div> OVERS PIANOS - SYDNEY </div> <div>    Grand Piano Manufacturers </div> <div> _______________________ </div> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   </div> <div> Web <a href="http://overspianos.com.au/">http://overspianos.com.au</a> </div> <div> <a href="mailto:ron@overspianos.com.au">mailto:ron@overspianos.com.au</a> </div> <div> _______________________ </div> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   </div> </blockquote> </div>   <div> <div> Allen Wright </div> <div> 6 Clay Court, 219 Long Lane </div> <div> London SE1 4PB </div> <div> United Kingdom </div> <div> 020 7378 8265  </div> <div> 0780-688-1325 (mobile) </div> <div>   </div> <div>   </div> </div>   </div>   <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'> <hr size=1 width="100%" noshade color="#a0c6e5" align=center> </div> From: Kenneth Jankura <kenrpt@earthlink.net> Reply-To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> Subject: Re: Busy Soundboard Weekend Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2007 18:09:12 -0500 >if you don't know Howard Levy, you haven't lived! >Oops, sorry I probably shouldn't post this... >Never mind. > >ken jankura > > > >On Mar 6, 2007, at 9:08 PM, Ron Nossaman wrote: > >> >>>Speaking of which, Ron, do you know Howard Levy, harmonica? >>> Paul >> >>No, I didn't until you mentioned the name. Always a fan of talent. >>Got a URL to a sample piece or 40? >>Ron N > > <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'> <hr size=1 width="100%" noshade color="#a0c6e5" align=center> </div> From: Concert Piano Service <concertpianoservice@planet.nl> Reply-To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> Subject: Re: Bechstein hammer #1 Date: Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:03:32 +0100 <div> <div> On 8-mrt-2007, at 21:50, Allen Wright wrote: </div> <blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'>   <div> Stephane, </div> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   </div> <div> Except for some moth damage, it's remarkably well-preserved, isn't it? That looks to me like several layers of leather underneath, and then a felt layer underneath the outer felt. </div> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   </div> <div> It will be interesting to see if these hammers still have decent tone after the piano is restored. </div> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   </div> <div> Allen </div> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   <div> <IMG_5250.jpg> </div>   </div> <div> IMG_5250.JPG </div> </blockquote>   </div> <div>   </div> <div>   </div> <div> In my opinion (seen from this picture), the hammers belonging to this instrument are totally gone. </div> <div> The hammer felt and leather have changed and oxidized over time, it does not have the same quality it had before, the hammers are worn, they look molded and eaten by insects and thus the original texture and quality has gone a long time ago. </div> <div>   </div> <div> What comes to my mind (no, you did not say that) that there are musicians who will say that, when they are confronted with an original piano forte, they now perfectly understand what Mozart meant when he wrote his music for this type of instrument. </div> <div> That is of course not true at all, because the original instrument has been been ravaged by time/ The wood is not the same anymore, it has crystallized, the fibers of the wood have changed completely and so has the elasticity. </div> <div> The soundboard  and the down bearing etc etc have changed, so that the instrument is a mere shadow of what it once upon a time. </div> <div> Now if you take a well built copy, you come much closer to the truth of the matter, because it more honestly resembles the instrument when it was built anew. </div> <div>   </div> <div> In fact this is an old issue here on this list, but I can't help it, I am opinionated and, although I respect museum pieces, I'd rather drive a brand new BMW or mercedes instead of a mildewed and limited car built in the early years. </div> <div> I know... I have my flame suit ready. </div> <div>   </div> <div>   </div> <div>   </div>   <div> <div> friendly greetings </div> <div> from </div> <div> André Oorebeek </div> <div>   </div> <div> Antoni van leeuwenhoekweg 15 </div> <div> 1401 VW Bussum </div> <div> the Netherlands </div> <div>   </div> <div> tel : 0031 35 6975840 </div> <div> tel : 0031 652388 008 </div> <div>   </div> <div> <a href="mailto:concertpianoservice@planet.nl">concertpianoservice@planet.nl</a> </div> <div> www.concertpianoservice.nl </div> <div>   </div> <div> where music is,  </div> <div> no harm can be </div> </div>   <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'> <hr size=1 width="100%" noshade color="#a0c6e5" align=center> </div> From: R Barber <bassooner42@yahoo.com> Reply-To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Knabe keyboard/bed problem Date: Thu, 08 Mar 2007 15:50:16 -0800 >I was wondering about those... I think that whole system is intact, >but was adjusted too far backward. Thanks! >Richard > >>Richard, >> >>In each cheekblock you will find a notched-out screw, whose notch >>engages a screw protruding from the side of the keyframe. The >>purpose is to maintain the correct strike-point (fore-aft position >>of action) while allowing the action to shift side to side with >>una-corda pedal. Something is damaged, misadjusted, or missing in >>this system. >> >>Mike >> >>R Barber wrote: >>>Customer has a Knabe Grand, around 6'6", ~80 years old. In >>>highest octave of damper'd notes in the treble, playing the note >>>will make two dampers rise, which then proceed to stick, falling >>>slowly when the note is released. One thing I noticed was that >>>the whole action was about 2mm from the front of the keybed, and >>>when I pulled it back out so it meets the keyslip, the damper >>>sticking problem was solved. My guess is that the keystick in the >>>back is pushing up a few damper levers, and catching the side of >>>its neighbor's lever. >>>Another problem is that the keyboard shift happens a little >>>diagonally, and the action might be creeping its way backward over >>>a few days of shift, so the problem with sticking dampers has >>>shown up again. >>>Dampers all seem fine, no friction issues. >>>Any hints would be appreciated, >>>Richard Barber >>>Santa Clara Valley, CA >>> > > <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'> <hr size=1 width="100%" noshade color="#a0c6e5" align=center> </div> From: "Barbara Richmond" <piano57@insightbb.com> Reply-To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org> Subject: Knabe key bushings Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2007 18:53:33 -0600 <div> Howdy, </div> <div>   </div> <div> Took a look at a 1929 Knabe grand that was rebuilt in the late 70s.  Hmm.  Well, I guess nice parts may have been a little more difficult to get back then... </div> <div>   </div> <div> This piano has those elongated, thin balance pins.  There's not a lot of wobble, but they don't fit quite the way I'd like, either.  Did I read about resizing bushings by using a quick shot of steam on this list?  Has anybody rebushed a set of these?  I see the cauls listed on the Spurlock website &  in the Pianotek catalog, so I guess somebody does them.  Any bits of advice? </div> <div>   </div> <div> Thanks, </div> <div>   </div> <div> Barbara Richmond, RPT </div> <div> near Peoria, Illinois </div> <div>   </div>   <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'> <hr size=1 width="100%" noshade color="#a0c6e5" align=center> </div> From: Allen Wright <akwright@btopenworld.com> Reply-To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> Subject: Re: Bechstein hammer #1 Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2007 01:00:46 +0000 Well, I meant that there is lots of the original hammer left, Andre. I would imagine that it's probably pretty shot in terms of resilience and tone...still, it's interesting to see the original in this condition. Obviously there's a difference between historic museum pieces and pianos newly built for performance - but clearly it's useful to have the originals around to study, don't you agree?  <div>   </div> <div> David Winston, the proprietor of this shop, builds copies as well as restoring old instruments, and so is well aware of the issues involved. In fact there's an original 1830's-era Schott piano in the shop now that's being restored, while alongside it a copy is being constructed. A music school has commissioned both instruments; a pretty enlightened approach, I'd say. Kind of the best of both worlds? </div> <div>   </div> <div> Cheers, </div> <div>   </div> <div> Allen <div> <div> On 8 Mar 2007, at 23:03, Concert Piano Service wrote: </div> <blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'>     <div> <div> On 8-mrt-2007, at 21:50, Allen Wright wrote: </div> <blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'>   <div> Stephane, </div> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   </div> <div> Except for some moth damage, it's remarkably well-preserved, isn't it? That looks to me like several layers of leather underneath, and then a felt layer underneath the outer felt. </div> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   </div> <div> It will be interesting to see if these hammers still have decent tone after the piano is restored. </div> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   </div> <div> Allen </div> <div style='MIN-HEIGHT: 14px'>   <div> <IMG_5250.jpg> </div>   </div> <div> IMG_5250.JPG </div> </blockquote>   </div> <div>   </div> <div>   </div> <div> In my opinion (seen from this picture), the hammers belonging to this instrument are totally gone. </div> <div> The hammer felt and leather have changed and oxidized over time, it does not have the same quality it had before, the hammers are worn, they look molded and eaten by insects and thus the original texture and quality has gone a long time ago. </div> <div>   </div> <div> What comes to my mind (no, you did not say that) that there are musicians who will say that, when they are confronted with an original piano forte, they now perfectly understand what Mozart meant when he wrote his music for this type of instrument. </div> <div> That is of course not true at all, because the original instrument has been been ravaged by time/ The wood is not the same anymore, it has crystallized, the fibers of the wood have changed completely and so has the elasticity. </div> <div> The soundboard  and the down bearing etc etc have changed, so that the instrument is a mere shadow of what it once upon a time. </div> <div> Now if you take a well built copy, you come much closer to the truth of the matter, because it more honestly resembles the instrument when it was built anew. </div> <div>   </div> <div> In fact this is an old issue here on this list, but I can't help it, I am opinionated and, although I respect museum pieces, I'd rather drive a brand new BMW or mercedes instead of a mildewed and limited car built in the early years. </div> <div> I know... I have my flame suit ready. </div> <div>   </div> <div>   </div> <div>   </div>   <div> <div> friendly greetings </div> <div> from </div> <div> André Oorebeek </div> <div>   </div> <div> Antoni van leeuwenhoekweg 15 </div> <div> 1401 VW Bussum </div> <div> the Netherlands </div> <div>   </div> <div> tel : 0031 35 6975840 </div> <div> tel : 0031 652388 008 </div> <div>   </div> <div> <a href="mailto:concertpianoservice@planet.nl">concertpianoservice@planet.nl</a> </div> <div> www.concertpianoservice.nl </div> <div>   </div> <div> where music is,  </div> <div> no harm can be </div> </div>   </blockquote> </div> <div>   </div> <div> <div>   </div> <div>   </div> </div>   </div>   <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'> <hr size=1 width="100%" noshade color="#a0c6e5" align=center> </div> From: Avery <avery1@houston.rr.com> Reply-To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org> Subject: Re: Ahhh, marketing Date: Thu, 08 Mar 2007 19:47:55 -0600 Hi David, And you mean you wouldn't do a job like this one?????? :-D >I have just moved my piano to my new home. It desperately needs to be tuned.  I was looking around for pricing.  This is >my work email and I can't accept outside emails so you can reach me back at S_Stinson9@hotmail.com.  I just need a price >for basic tuning and whatever that entails.  > >Thanks > >Sara Stinson I replied that if she was price shopping, I was the wrong person to contact if she wanted a good job! Avery At 12:45 PM 3/8/2007, you wrote: This is the point where I feel compelled to make a point of interest. Real, true marketing is telling the truth as you see it, providing an excellent, reliable product or service, being an excellent, reliable individual or team, and then making sure, in the most confidence-enhancing yet imaginative ways, that your target market likes and trusts you....like Yamaha over the past 30 years, for instance. Let us not confuse true marketing----building relationships, building trust---with the marketing you guys are rightly skewering, which is foisting bullshit on an ignorant (they think) public. The exciting thing I'm finding in my business is that more and more people have highly developed BS detectors---because of the Internet, and Larry Fine, they've become much more educated, information-rich consumers; the Web has allowed them to flex their research muscles, and they definitely can spot truth, FEEL truth, and vice-versa. I can't tell you what a powerful experience it's been getting qualified, trusting clients, ready  to cut me a check sight unseen, SOLELY from a search engine leading them to my website. When I began, that was my dream---to see if I could replicate my in-person presence and context on my site---and I did it, because the clients you really want are the ones you can tell the absolute truth to because they really want it, and love it. I'll go into more detail about this later, because I think it's important for us as small businesspeople not to throw the baby out with the bathwater vis-a-vis real, effective, long-term marketing and branding of our names and reputations---as Roger Jolly, for instance, has very successfully done. Best, David Andersen On Mar 8, 2007, at 7:10 AM, PAULREVENKOJONES wrote: Jesse:   If Del Fandrich would ever give his class on marketing myths again, everyone would be served. He touched on many of the very things you complain about and we should have a voice saying these things on a regular basis. The only thing we can do is keep ourselves honest. Maybe it'll rub off.   Paul   "If you want to know the truth, stop having opinions" (Chinese fortune cookie)     In a message dated 03/08/07 08:00:56 Central Standard Time, PIANOTECHNICIAN writes: I've seen so much garbage printed inside pianos -- what about the "Jansen Creed?" This is the biggest bunch of BS I've ever seen - -Jansen always made a  terrible piano, filled with inharmonicity. And the Story and Clark "Storytone" soundboard that's supposedly guaranteed for 50 years? And what exactly is the meaning of "Baldwin direct-blow action?" And "Synchrotone" bass strings? Also, "this quality instrument is built in the tradition of Baldwin Grand Pianos." I always wondered about Knabe, "the official piano of the Metropolitan Opera." They were idiots for not choosing Steinway!   Jesse Gitnik NYC Since 1980 <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-left:1.0in;text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center> </div> AOL now offers free email to everyone. 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