Overs Pianos wrote: > What about the scale design John? I have no doubt that you have the > skills necessary to make an M into something that it might not have > been, but you will still be stuck with a scale which is ordinary. No > small piano should cross at Bfl26/B27, but most do. Well Ron the M's scale is just not a problem for me or my clients. Yes I could tell my clients there is a theoretical problem with the "cross at Bfl26/B27". That would get some strange looks. But even the fine musicians among them would not swallow this. Neither can I. If this is an ordinary scale than I say let there be more of them. I know there is room for improvement with any piano design but I have just not seen any examples on the market that beat this little gem. I have seen many new products with new improved scales and other features like Faziolie, Walter and the latest products from Europe but none surpasses this design for basic musical quality in such a small package. It projects without being overbearing, perfect for professional practice and home music making. Transparent transitions between register breaks are easily attainable. It is a simple and elegant design. If you do things right you can get tremendous dynamic range, much more than I usually find with larger grands I have seen in showrooms. > This endemic problem of not making waves is killing the potential that > we have to move forward in our industry. I find it frustrating when I > hear comments from talented people who seem to be resistant to the idea > of progress unless it comes from one of the hallowed manufacturers. But Ron, I am making waves! Just that my waves say that we have been failing to meet the challenge of developing the craft and aesthetic understanding that is vital to getting the most out of the many fine pianos we technicians are likely to come across in our careers. If we would just do this many of the these engineering issues will fade into the background. If there is an "endemic problem" I think it is with putting science before art and craft. Many of us are frustrated by how hard this work is and how long it takes to master. We dream about pianos that will be so design as to emerge from the factory without the many faults that plague us now. Pianos that will never disappoint us or our clients and will never challenge our skills. There will not be a need to know how to suppress false beats or expand the dynamic range. They probably would not need voicing or regular tuning either. Pianos that anyone can build, anyone can tune and anyone can repair and rebuild. Well Ron that's not going to happen for me, I live in the real world! John Hartman RPT John Hartman Pianos [link redacted at request of site owner - Jul 25, 2015] Rebuilding Steinway and Mason & Hamlin Grand Pianos Since 1979 Piano Technicians Journal Journal Illustrator/Contributing Editor [link redacted at request of site owner - Jul 25, 2015]
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