[CAUT] Prepared pianos

[G Cousins]

Zeno, great thought in separating the toys.  

Jim, THANKS for the policy data. It's going in my policy manual.

 

I don't think my inventory is willing to take the risk (yet)

Thinking of finding a Kimball 4520 or a 6700.  :{)


GerryC

 

 

 

 

> From: ilvey at sbcglobal.net
> To: caut at ptg.org
> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 11:32:43 -0800
> Subject: Re: [CAUT] Prepared pianos
> 
> But it won't have the tone compared to the prepared concert instrument... '-]
> 
> David Ilvedson, RPT
> Pacifica, CA 94044
> 
> ----- Original message ----------------------------------------
> From: "Jim Busby" <jim_busby at byu.edu>
> To: caut at ptg.org
> Received: 11/9/2009 10:32:56 AM
> Subject: Re: [CAUT] Prepared pianos
> 
> 
> >Zeno,
> 
> >VERY good point. At BYU we have one piano as well. They may NOT use any other 
> >piano.
> 
> >Jim
> 
> >From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Zeno 
> >Wood
> >Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 10:48 AM
> >To: caut at ptg.org
> >Subject: Re: [CAUT] Prepared pianos
> 
> >Since we've designated one piano the "prepared piano", there has been almost no 
> >monkeying with the other pianos. Now I don't find green sharpie markings on the 
> >dampers, dampers sticking up like a saguaro cactus, or dead rattling bass strings. I 
> >give a presentation to the composers every semester or so, and the composition 
> >faculty are really happy. Admittedly, the designated piano is one in pretty wretched 
> >shape, really way overdue for a complete rebuilding job, but with the budget the 
> >way it is, it's good serving in its present capacity.
> 
> >I've found spilling of food and drink to be more of a threat, and harder to reason 
> >with. Students are, after all, entitled to their slurpees, lattes, and pizzas, at all 
> >times. I sometimes think about walking into a practice room and putting my coffee 
> >cup down on someone's violin. I mean, [to be said with incredulous outrage] where 
> >else am I supposed to put it down?
> 
> >Zeno Wood
> >Brooklyn College
> 
> 
> >On Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 12:02 PM, Jim Busby 
> ><jim_busby at byu.edu<mailto:jim_busby at byu.edu>> wrote:
> >All,
> 
> >One prominent composer wrote (and many share the belief) that the piano is just 
> >another percussion instrument. Some of the pieces are actually quite remarkable 
> >(Cage, Crumb) in their outcome. But education seems to be the only thing that 
> >"helps" our cause of protecting the piano. In the 3 years since its adoption we've 
> >had zero incidences of abuse of damage to the piano.
> 
> >FWIW, here it is;
> 
> >Prepared Piano Policy
> 
> >A "prepared piano" is a piano that has been modified with objects placed in it in a 
> >very special way as dictated by a composer of a "prepared piano" composition. This 
> >is a valid practice, but may only be done as prescribed below, and only on a piano 
> >designated by Piano Shop technicians and under their supervision:
> 
> > 1. All structural changes to any piano must be approved by and, in most cases, 
> >performed by a Piano Shop technician. This includes removing the lid or other case 
> >parts and attaching anything to strings or soundboard to modify the sound.
> > 2. Marking strings. Small stickers may be used on dampers or agraffes to mark 
> >notes. Please purchase stickers that are easy to remove such as the small colored 
> >dots. Care must always be used when touching dampers as they are easily bent. 
> >Never use masking tape or any other adhesive that may leave a residue. The 
> >performer is responsible for removing any stickers immediately after any 
> >performance. There should be nothing applied directly to the strings. This includes 
> >white-out, tape, stickers, nail polish, etc. In some cases chalk may be used to mark 
> >steel strings but never the copper-wound bass strings.
> > 3. Striking and plucking strings. Strings may be struck or plucked with fingers or 
> >guitar pick. (Since oil from the skin can tarnish strings please wash hands well before 
> >touching any string.) Other devices must always be of a material that will not mar or 
> >scratch strings. On steel strings, only materials that are softer than the steel string 
> >may be used, such as brass or aluminum. Copper-wound bass strings must also be 
> >struck or plucked with a material softer than the copper. Acceptable material 
> >includes wood, plastic, rubber, etc. Piano Shop technicians are available to help the 
> >performer select materials that will not damage the piano. In some cases, literature 
> >calls for the insertion of screws or mutes between piano strings. Again, a material 
> >softer than the string must be used, such as brass or aluminum.
> > 4. Extreme volume. There is a fine line to be drawn between passionate musical 
> >expression and outright banging on a piano. Please use good judgment when playing 
> >above a forte. Harsh playing is damaging and will not be tolerated.
> > 5. Common sense. Most damage to pianos can easily be avoided by using good 
> >judgment. Please consult with the Piano Shop technician before using 
> >unconventional techniques. Usually, an alternative can be found to satisfy both the 
> >performer and this policy.
> 
> >Remember that a "prepared piano" is a special preparation required for a "prepared 
> >piano composition", and except for this unusual circumstance pianos should only be 
> >used in the "normal" way
> 

 		 	   		  
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