[pianotech] back to the Tone question in the modern piano, please

[jimialeggio]

Tony,

oops, hit the wrong button, lets try that again.

If I'm reading the wording of your question correctly, I think you're 
asking 2 different questions.  Could you clarify these points:

This first one seems to be aesthetic
> On reading these words it again reminded me of why I (in general) prefer the
> sound of the older pianos. Be it the shape of the soundboard, the tension of
> the string or the hardness of the hammer, the older pianos in my opinion
> gave a harmonically richer tone with greater sustain than there comparative
> model it today's stable of pianos.
>
> The question I am asking is two fold. What can be done to improve the tone
> of the modern piano. or, Does the modern piano need to be improved in tone.
>   

And this second is referring to design issues, I think, independent  of 
aesthetic design decisions.. I think?..
> Personally I find that the majority of modern pianos above C7 totally
> lacking in any sense of harmonicity and the last 4 top notes have no
> discernable tone at all. I know I am going deaf but then I tune an older
> piano that's in good condition (the last one was a Steingraber upright) and
> I could hear every note with a clarity and harmonicity that I can enjoy.
>
> So to the nitty gritty. For the first part of the question.
>
> How can you improve the tone of a modern piano in the upper treble region
>   

So are you interested in the aesthetic question, or is you question 
simply whats wrong with the top octave?

If your are also interested in the aesthetic question, what do you refer 
to as the modern piano. I see the the modern piano is kind of a 
continuum from the big power push in, what, 1860ish, to now.

Just interested in your point of view.

Jim I


-- 
Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
978- 425-9026
Shirley, MA