[pianotech] Voicing the new Mason & Hamlins

[David Stanwood]

Hi Nick,

For Problem hammers that lack dynamic resiliency and gradation of 
density such as found on many heat forged and/or lacquered hammers of 
today I use a 13 degree needle directly the striking area of the 
hammer.  These needles are available at:

http://www.draftingsteals.com/20046.html

The high open angle of the needle stops the point from going in too 
far so power is not compromised and it opens up the fibers from the 
surface down, creating warm pianissimo and color through the dynamic 
ranges.  After an appropriate number of stabs I limber up the fibers 
to bring up the resiliency and work out any knots in the felt mass 
using the pean end of a 2oz ball pean hammer. I support the tail with 
a wood block and hammer away at the crown.  It's non destructive and 
simulates playing in the hammers for a few months in a matter of 
seconds.  I've been doing this for a couple of years now and have 
been sharing the method with my associates and it can work miracles 
on certain types of hammers.

Good luck,

David Stanwood

>List,
>
>A store client now floors four new Mason & Hamlins of different 
>models. They all seem to possess an inherent high quality tonal 
>envelope and sustain (but tricky to fully assess as they are). Tone 
>via hammers, however ------ all sections of the scale sound like 
>artillery, and the melody section more like a gun shot in a tile 
>bathroom. Bruce Clark at M&H informs that the factory prefers to 
>ship these pianos out "on the bright side as most technicians are 
>more comfortable taking the tone down rather than building it up". 
>Obviously I want to retain appropriate power, but at the same time 
>uncover the inherent musicality.
>
>I understand that M&H uses custom Renner hammers. Should I expect a 
>ton of arm-straining needling ahead, or do these hammers respond 
>relatively quickly and easily?
>
>Anyway, I would like to hear from those of you who have voiced these 
>new pianos. Any tips or advice would be appreciated (short of "rip 
>out the hammers and install something else" ---- a non-option). Just 
>suck it up?
>
>Can anyone weigh in on the use of multi-needled voicing pliers? And 
>where are these obtained?
>
>In any case, I'll let you know how it goes.
>
>Thanks
>
>--
>Nick Gravagne, RPT