[CAUT] Duplex

[Wolfley, Eric (wolfleel)]

I don't have any scientific knowledge to impart either but if you put
your finger on the front duplex of D5 (or little wedges of felt as some
people insert) you end up with a dull, lifeless sound. If you put your
finger in front of the agraffe on C#5 (non speaking side) you will
notice a less pronounced but similar effect even though the un-muted
non-speaking length of the string is quite short there.

Eric

Eric Wolfley, RPT
Head Piano Technician
Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
University of Cincinnati

-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of
Porritt, David
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 9:22 AM
To: College and University Technicians
Subject: Re: [CAUT] Duplex

I haven't weighed in on this one yet as I don't have any scientific
information to impart.  One observation, however, is that if the front
duplex did as much enhancing as is touted we'd have this break between
C#5 and D5 where the duplex ends.  C#5 would be the dull, lifeless sound
of no front duplex and D5 would be the glorious sound of a note with the
duplex.  (Of course the exact placement of this break varies on
different models.)  While I do notice the occasional zing or whistle, I
don't notice the enhancement that is advertised. 

dave 

David M. Porritt
dporritt at smu.edu

-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of
RicB
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 7:19 AM
To: caut at ptg.org
Subject: [CAUT] Duplex

Hi Jim

You hit the nail on the head here IMHO.  The real problems surrounding 
the classic Steinway front duplex scale are the difficulties in 
maintaining it.  And I will be the first to admit it is a temperamental 
beast.  But not overly so me thinks.  In my view more the problems are 
overstated from the standpoint of actual maintainance needed.   
Overstated at least in the sense that many go so far as to outright 
condemn it.

Now that said.... The Steinway sound that this is so connected with is 
just one of the many kinds of piano sounds available.  Other front 
termination schemes have their own sets of pos/negs and their own impact

on the end sound of an instrument.  And many of these are quite 
successful too in their own right and for their own reasons. 

I think the diversity is a good thing.  Rather then simply condemning a 
given solution and thereby closing off one whole sphere of piano sound I

believe we should be able and willing to exercise the necessary 
maintainces  to enable it to function as best it can within its own 
paramemters. 

And of course.... anyone who wants to explore other avenues should be 
likewise appreciated for adding to that exact same diversity.

Cheers
RicB

    David Love asked if I thought a sharp profile at the capo bar,
combined
    with the duplex, would increase the inharmonicity.  No, I would
    expect it
    to decrease it.  In a later post, Ric Brekne described exactly what
    I was
    talking about.  However, it's difficult to maintain a capo bar
radius of
    less than 0.5 mm if there is much pressure against it.

    Jim Ellis