Keith The holes were the forerunner of the duplex scale. The rapid movement of the hammers created a whistling sound which blended with the pitch of the strings. The holes could be tuned to match the strings. This was accomplished by either reaming them out or by coating the inside with hide glue depending on whether it was sharp or flat. Of course, many piano manufactures (please note the correct use of the plural) disputed this concept as they believed that it made the piano some sort of hybrid wind instrument. Technicians, frustrated by trying to tune these holes eventual plugged them all with chewing gum. Finally, the manufacturer discontinued this practice in a effort to cut production costs. ;-) Ned Swift Lowell, MI >From: kam544@gbronline.com >Reply-To: Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org> >To: pianotech@ptg.org >Subject: 1881-83 Steinway,#48638, image #2 >Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2002 14:04:19 -0600 > > >Holes in the hammer heads are only in the treble section. > >Anyone possibly know the why? > >Keith McGavern ><< _holesinhammers.jpg >> >_______________________________________________ >pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus
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