Full range damping?

[Gina Carter]

Rodrigo,

Like Clyde, neither am I a piano designer; however, I've always been taught
that the two main reasons for the lack of dampers at the top octave, give or
take a few notes are:

1. The sustain time in that area is so short, dampers are not needed.
2. More importantly, the open strings in that area allow additional partials
to sound, even though individuals may not necessarily hear them. This is one
of the main factors in adding richness, resonance, and overall tonality to
the quality of the sound of the piano. Adding dampers there will decrease
not increase resonance.

As an experiment mute off the top section (that which has no dampers) with
felt or some like material, then play the piano without using the damper
pedal. (Bach or Haydn works well for this experiment.) I suspect you will
not be pleased with the difference in sound.

Gina


----- Original Message -----
From: <Kriist@AOL.COM>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2000 3:10 AM
Subject: Full range damping?


> is this a difficult job?(on an upright)
> adding dampers up into the highest octaves(so you have full control of
> resonance)