Moving Damper Guide Rails

[Brian Trout]

Hi Richard,

You ask,
>In which beliefs do you differ with yourself ? :)

I differ with myself occasionally, but that's not what I meant to say...
:-)

Several things I differ with...

1) "Put it back the way you found it."
Maybe that's the way I did my very first jobs, but it didn't take long to 
grow outta that one.  I feel like part of what I do in "rewhatevering" is to 
make it better than it was.   There are some jobs, however, especially with 
Steinway pianos, where the customer will insist that it be "put back the way 
it would have originally been built".  I'd really rather try to do better 
than that if I have anything to say about it.  Given my choice, I do not 
generally leave the bass bridge where it was or the scaling the same, leave 
the bridge notching for some angle other than 90 deg to the string, or 
compression crown a soundboard...

2) The general idea that "the piano makers of old knew much more than we 
know and we should respect their work by restoring as it was."  Although I 
will admit that some of the trial and error that took place did, on 
occasion, result in pleasant sounding pianos, I believe that we can do 
better than "hit and miss"... or "put it back as was."

3) The general idea that "strings of different length within the same unison 
add color and body to the tone."  Some may have believed that.  Some may 
still believe that.  I don't particularly like the effect that it has on the 
overall tone of the piano.  To my ear, it adds a harshness, a sharpness that 
is not pleasant.  I like smooth and mellow.  Others may disagree.  It's my 
preference, which I would not wish to impose on anyone.

I'm sure there are probably other areas I could mention, but those are the 
thoughts that come to mind.

There are times when I sit in a class, such as what we did at Brandon 
University (what was it, maybe 4 years ago?) and just soak up what 
information I can.  I may decide that I agree or that I disagree with what's 
being said, but it's a rare instance when I can't come away with a new idea 
or a new tool or technique that will be a benefit to me.

Just a few random thoughts to throw out.  Don't know if that answers your 
question or not, Richard.  I'm sure if you're going to Dallas in July, we'll 
have lots of new input to soak up in Del's class!  :-)  I do like Del's 
class.  We get to think outta the box.

Take care,

Brian



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