Killer B's

[Robert B Edwardsen]

Del:

It would certainly be interesting to hear one of these "B's", I understand the National Convention next summer will have a
showcase of rebuilders work, any chance you will bring one of these instruments for people to hear?

Rob Edwardsen

Delwin D Fandrich wrote:

> Avery Todd wrote:
>
> > Del,
> >
> > SNIP
> >
> >    Any chance you could elaborate any on this?
> >
> > (Inside joke. "Killer B" is what we privately call our Model B conversion.)
> >
> > Avery
> >
> > ___________________________
> > Avery Todd, RPT
> > Moores School of Music
> > University of Houston
> > Houston, TX 77204-4893
> > 713-743-3226
> > atodd@uh.edu
> > http://www.uh.edu/music/
>
> Avery,
>
> This is a high performance conversion of the Model B grand. We start with a B of any age and strip it down to the bare rim
> and framework. We install several additional rim/belly braces and a structural soundboard cut-off bar. I have designed a new
> soundboard and rib scale along with a somewhat different method of bellying the board than the process that has been
> traditionally used. I have also designed a new tenor/treble bridge and a new stringing scale to go with it. The bass string
> scale is also modified. We modify the plate a bit to remove the tuned aliquot design and improve string termination and
> remove the miscellaneous string buzzes and whistles. The action is left alone except for normal rebuilding/remanufacturing
> work. If it is old and worn, all parts are replaced with the appropriate new Renner parts. If we're working on a newer piano
> we check the action geometry and do whatever is necessary. Hammers are either Steinway or Issacs. Everything else is much too
> hard. Even these have to be needled, sometimes through C-88.
>
> The result is a piano with a much cleaner and articulate bass section, a much smoother (nearly invisible) bass/tenor break, a
> much more articulate upper tenor/treble section with both more power and longer sustain (I'm working on ways to put several
> additional dampers in the piano -- it needs them) and a much brighter and cleaner treble section. Again, with no lacquer in
> the hammers. Not even at the top. (It's not that I'm so opposed to lacquer in hammers, it's just that it's not necessary.)
>
> I hope that answers your question. If you would like more details, send my your mailing address and I'll send you a copy of
> our newsletter.
>
> Regards,
>
> Del