[pianotech] Re: Capo shape question

Keith Roberts kpiano@goldrush.com
Mon, 9 Sep 2002 00:48:50 -0700


What size and type of file? 8" mill bastard?
Keith R
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Andersen" <bigda@gte.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2002 6:11 PM
Subject: Re: Capo shape question


> >   Hi Dave -- for those of us who haven't read the book what is the
> >prescribed procedure and how would you describe the tonal improvement?
> >   Thanks>>>>Dale Erwin
>
> Hey Dale----before I answer, I want to thank you sincerely for your "work
> the knots out of the shoulders" tip when voicing----it has made a huge
> improvement in my ability to control tone. You da man.  This list is
> priceless.
>
> If the plate is out of the piano, it's easy.  You'll see where the
> strings have sort of machined into the soft iron, and that the
> termination point is in a "U" shape rather than a "V" shape.  Use a file
> suitable for soft iron, and carefully work small amounts of material off
> the capo bar until there's maybe a 1 mm termination, and the edge looks
> like a "V."  Pretty simple, and the procedure produces a much stronger
> fundamental tone with either the illusion of more sustain, or more
> sustain. Handy in this, the weakest speaking area of a Steinway(low
> treble).
>
> You can also do it with the plate in by destringing the capo(we usually
> do it in four sections, starting from the treble break) and doing the
> same thing as above using mirrors and squeezing your head as far into the
> action cavity as it will go---this is trickier, and takes more
> skill----DON'T FORGET TO BE CONSERVATIVE.  Sneak up on it.  Don't take
> off too much material.
>
> And that's it.  If you need me to, when Steve Bellieu, my partner and
> shop wizard, gets back in town
> (9/10) I'll have him describe the procedure in greater detail.  He's the
> king of the "V."
>
> Best, David A.
>



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