S & S capo

[Allen Wright]

I may have missed some postings on this thread (my e-mail server is a little erratic lately), but did anyone mention this as being a very common Steinway problem? If reshaping the capo isn't an option (and we do this here regularly in rebuilding - and if it's only action rebuilding and not restringing, we sometimes temporarily remove the strings in the treble sections and correct the profile of the v-bar, then replace the strings), then at least working the strings back and forth to remove some of the groove that may have developed can help clean up some of the noise. I also use mutes made from bushing cloth selectively on certain notes (and sometimes in a more wholesale fashion) if it will eliminate the buzz but not affect tone or volume too much. 

Sorry if these points are redundant, or seem too obvious. Noisy capos are so typical of Steinways, though - some people notice the noise and are really bugged by it, other players seem oblivious. Our newest D has all kinds of zings on top, but only recently did some people start noticing it as something they didn't like. Generally that noise is not heard from the audience, and there's no doubt that using the mutes will take away some highs, so there's a tradeoff. Maybe the problem mentioned in the original posting is a more serious one involving something other than the capo bar profile?

Comments? Observations?

Allen Wright 
Oberlin Conservatory