C C KAZOO

[Frank Weston]

Glenn wrote:
> 
> On my new (old) Steinway M (1922 just refurbished) there is an odd
> thing happening.  C4 and C5 have a sound that starts just a nanosecond
> after you strike the note and lasts for no more than a second.  It
> sounds just like a kazoo!  It doesn't change in amplitude.  If you
> play too loud you cover it up but it is still there.  I've felt all
> around, I've fondled dampers, pins, strings, bridge pins, duplex
> scales, you name it.  To make it more strange, it is intermittent.  I
> usually comes in after a few minutes of playing and more at night!?!
> It doesn't matter if the lid is up or down.  I've checked hardware on
> the lid.  I banged all of the strings down at the bridge, nothing
> helps.   This weak sound seems to be coming from under or behind the
> music desk, right in between C4 and C5.  I got it to do it with F2
> once but just now when I tried it, nothing.  Only those two notes.
> 
> Could it be agraffs?  The plate was recently repainted.
> 

Have you checked the casters?  How about the lamp next to the piano?
Your tool box?  Any loose screws or springs in the trapwork?  Try moving
the piano a foot or two in the room, see if that has any effect.  Check
the soundboard carefully for small objects like paper clips and dried
chunks of glue.

Frank Weston