On 28-aug-04, at 1:48, Bec and John wrote: > Hi Andre, Hello John, > > I haven't really been following the thread much, so I'm not confident > I'm following accurately, but I was thinking similarly to what you > wrote in your last paragraph (quoted below). > > I think there is an element of control given more muscle usage (or at > least a higher margin of error). Kind of like trying to hold a large > box steady that is very light vs. one with more weight. > > As a pianist, though I may adapt to a very light action, I wouldn't be > surprised if I had less "control" over dynamics given a smaller range > of muscle exertion, in comparison to a heavier action. However, > whomever you are replying to seemed to not be saying the weight needs > to be changed, but rather friction. But then again, wouldn't friction > just add to the weight, effectively? Friction of course adds to the weight. I was just pointing out that applying too much anti-friction materials, or, for that matter, making an action 'fly' so to speak, may cause more than one problem for both the pianist and the technician. I have had this experience myself. That's exactly what I described in my last emails to this list. The first one was an extensive example of how I came to know about the effects of anti-friction stuff, and the later ones were warnings for over kill. That's all. nevertheless, I also pointed out that some pianists (like Horowitz) like very fast piano's. They apparently have the ability to control the speedy action where as other usually prefer 'safer grounds' André > > - John > > >> I do know what I am talking about and I have been around for some >> time. >> If you like a light playing and friction free piano, that's more than >> fine. It does not mean that all piano's should be as light and >> friction free as is possible. >> Most pianists (most pianists) like to control their action. To >> control a piano action, you need to have a force you put your energy >> in, otherwise it's like an aeolian harp hanging in a tree, played by >> mere wind. >> > > André Oorebeek
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