So there

[Isaac OLEG]

Hello Andre, I've seen that you are back. Hope you are well, that the travel
and your instructor's job was not too tiring?

How was the Korea, did you have good results ? How did you find these Samick
pianos ?

I wanted to tell you that I begin really now to appreciate the real value of
the "natural regulation method "you showed me. It took some time and
training indeed but most things are taking their place (done some tools &
method organization too).

I used it on a few pianos, and it is coming better and better (the sound,
the touch) . I still have a few points I am unsure of but the overall
process is really working fine and produce very good comments from pianists
(and much more enjoyable instruments).

The people of Cite de la Musique seems to appreciate the work, I will have a
look at another instrument for them soon , the pianist I asked to check the
piano for me have find it very enjoyable, and tells me he likes to see more
of my work.

But, most important I guess, I have made friendly meets with some
colleagues, Emmanuel MEZENGUE, which is now in Strasbourg, and was for a
time intoner and technician for Fazioli, and I just met Emmanuel PETIT, a
tuner/rebuilder which is working as a sub contractor for Hanlet.

We are planning to exchange tips and tricks, and I have the benefit of
coming with some new things (Verituner, Stanwood method, ) that interest
most of the techs.
Slowly, the situation is becoming better, I have begin to work my
relationship with the HAMLET Workshop and headquarters staff, and I made 2
verticals 'put in shape' jobs for them this week, in their place (30 hrs
work) , so they have seen me more closely, I am planning to do other jobs as
grand regulations, or probably some rebuilds in my shop ASAP. Even "the
great" Helmut LEMMA seems to be more friendly, we talk a little lately. (but
you know, Mr. Kalb at the factory never hear of me, so I have to add
pressure and prove my right to be the first external tech 'allowed' to go to
Hamburg.


Here are a few questions, a few things I am unsure of, if your time permit :

*** Do you use different key deep (sticking with the model specification as
for Steinway ?).
If unsure , what is your standard ? do you try to regulate at 10 mm ? 5 BTW,
I like to know if the little block from Yamaha is really 10 mm or if it is a
little less, as I've been told it is easier to feel there if there is a
little gap, in consequence the 10 mm block may be a little less.

*** How do you ascertain that the frame is in good posture on the knees.
Particularly for drop regulation and checking, I believe that the height of
my knees change the regulation result.
Is there a way of checking that, or only in the piano with models ?

BTW - I got the drop regulation coming at hand , but in 2 passes I believe -
is it possible to do it (almost) right the first time ?

*** What parameters do you play with if you want to have a heavier or
lighter touch ? is it possible to move some parameters fast enough without
loosing the 'clear touch' ?

*** On some pianos there is a lot of work to get even the key bed at its
right place, many are warped, and have been regulated with too much pressure
on the key bed screws, so a lot of punching have to go.

In what configuration the bolts screws are to be for trimming under the
front rail ? Totally unscrewed, or all knocking (not enough pressure but a
little)? I wonder if there can be a problem of bedding the front rail while
having no support at all under the balance rail (see what I mean ?)
What do you consider the fastest process with hand tools in customer's place
(plane blade, sanding, )? 5 I had to do that on a C3 this afternoon and a
lot of sanding I've done , with 120 grit , took me 0.30 min to get rid of a
long opening in the middle of the keybed ( too long process I guess).
I try to unscrew/screw the frame and it did not change nothing. Is it
necessary sometime to saw more the front rail to flatten it (may be shim too
?)

Checking : I wonder if you will allow for a VERY high checking when possible
(on some hammers it is possible to check at 10 mm and not block). I guess
you stay with a checking in the high third of the back check anyway is not
it ?

We will have the visit of an American technician in June , Jon Ralinowsky,
he is in charge of 85 pianos in Miami University, as he find it is not
enough work he still have 35 others in a school, and private customers. The
US tech amaze me - I believe they don't know about the "35 heures" that are
actually ruling in France.

Are you staying here a bit ?

I hope you will have a little time for writing. I did not find the Pleyel
parts Arnold asked me, but may be some day...

Greetings to everyone.

Friendly Regards.

Isaac