<html> At 09:28 PM 8/30/2004 -0700, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>I'm interested in the belly brace for a Baldwin D.   What is the criteria for whether it might be needed?   David I. </blockquote> David, <x-tab>        </x-tab>That's a tough one. On an S&S, it's a given, ever since they "lost" the belly brace in that area and replaced it with a twig. On an SD.... hmmm..... The best bet would be to do the install, and then get some extra ears around while you adjust the turnbuckle and listen. If the tone improves, the brace is helpful. If it doesn't, well, you've got an extra 150 bucks in your parts inventory. It can be subtle, but definitely helpful. Take other listeners. The install is minutes. I guess you could run a "dry" test with another brace of some sort, like a 2X4 and a wedge. See if that helps, and then install the turnbuckle arrangement. I'd say just stock one. You'll get a chance eventually. Enjoy, Guy <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>    ----- Original message ----------------------------------------> From: Nichols <<a href="mailto:nicho@zianet.com">nicho@zianet.com</a>> To: Pianotech <<a href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">pianotech@ptg.org</a>> Received: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 21:24:24 -0600 Subject: Re: Big Hammers Barbara,     While hunting for "every little bit" of projection for a D I service, I discovered the extra belly brace sold by PianoTek. It's for the treble, and really helped octaves 61/2 thru to the top. Better projection, little higher volume, much better sustain. Not too expensive, and a piece-o-cake to install and test.  Y'know, when every little thing adds up to get more..... more. Also, is the piano "grounded"? Big halls laugh at pianos on flexing, rubber-wheeled springs. A couple of blocks for under the front work wonders. Just a couple of ¢ worth, Guy At 12:00 PM 8/30/2004 -0500, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>Hey all,   Some of you may remember the thread last spring, voicing for a big, dead, hall.  Still waiting for the bureaucracy to make up their minds, but in the mean time I've been thinking a lot about the project and I'd like to have a chat about hammer size.  The hall is huge (3500 seats or so), has lots of carpet and poses a challenge for the piano's projection.   I won't go into all the piano's issues (of which it has quite a few and I can deal with them), but there is one area I'd like to hear your opinions.  Right now, the piano (Steinway D) has the biggest hammers on it that I've ever seen.  Is it a fact that BIG hammers will help power and projection, especially in a problem setting like this?   A friend has recommended that I "leave them big."  Some days I agree with him and on others, I don't.  Of course, I won't really know what's going to work until I dig in, but I'd just like to hear what your experience has been.   Thanks,   Barbara Richmond, RPT</blockquote></blockquote></html>