Damper harmonics

[McNeilTom@aol.com]

Hi, Vince -

Here's something to try:

Get another appropriately-sized damper, perhaps from a piano getting rebuilt,
or from a wreck, or even make up one.  It should be very close to the size
and weight of the problem damper.  Then use this substitute damper to
experiment with; set the real damper aside and leave it alone.  You can then
reinstall it - no worse off than before - should you run out of time,
materials, ideas, etc.

Experimental ideas might include: very short damper felts, located as near
the ends of the damper as possible; replace one or both trichord felts with
flats (not likely, but I have seen it work); different brands of felt;
steaming felts for softness (trichords can be fairly firm sometimes); one
very long felt instead of two.

And let us know what finally works for you!

- Tom McNeil -
Vermont Piano Restorations