[CAUT] Gradually improving voicing

[David Love]

Start from the middle and work out, just like tuning.  Compare each
section as you go to maintain balance.  

If it's a NY Steinway D and it's getting strident you won't need to add
liquids.  If you find a note in which the attack isn't sharp enough, or
if you over needle the crown slightlly, use only a very dilute
keytop/plastic solution and only on the crown--a drop or two.  It will
dry within 10-15 minutes.  Don't use softening liquids.

NY Steinway needling is done all in the crown, shoulder voicing is
useless.  You can usually do the whole piano with a chopstick voicing
tool.  If the hammer shape is good you should be able to bring down the
piano to a level you want relatively quickly.  If you need to do some
shaping and string mating you will need more time.  

Before you do anything to the overall level, however, listen to the
piano from different places in the hall.  What sounds strident in the
first row or from the bench may sound perfect in the middle of the hall
or in the back.  The sound at the bench should not be used as the
criteria for what level the piano needs to be for the hall.  In most
halls, the sound at the bench needs to be a fair amount brighter than
you would ordinarily make it.  

  

David Love
davidlovepianos@comcast.net 

-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of
Phil Bondi
Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2005 3:26 AM
To: caut@ptg.org
Subject: [CAUT] Gradually improving voicing

Hello all.

I sat in the audience last night to hear a performance on a 'D' that I 
care for. I noticed that it's starting to sound a little strident and am

looking for some advice to make it less strident with a busy concert 
schedule coming up.

-My initial thought is to start to improve its voice from either end and

work my way towards the middle.

- Would it be wise to add any liquids to the hammers during my tunings, 
knowing that withing a few hrs., the piano will be played for a
performance?

The reason this has to be done gradually for right now is quite simple: 
a very busy concert schedule coming up with time available to the 
instrument limited at best. From what I heard last night, it MIGHT take 
a little more than just needling to get it to where _I_ want it to be. 
Also, please be aware that no one has complained about the piano..quite 
he contrary..people have been very complimentary to me about the piano. 
Regardless, what I heard last night could be made better and I'm looking

here for the advise and expertise of those here who may have been in a 
similar situation.

-The one thing I have thought of is this: The piano will not be used the

entire month of February with Phantom coming into the hall. It MIGHT be 
possible to work on it then, but again, I don't know if the piano will 
be available or accessible. Phantom takes up alot of space backstage..

Thoughts and ideas greatly appreciated,

Phil Bondi(Fl)

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