Why do pianos go out of tune?
Pianos go out of tune primarily due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. These changes cause
expansion or contraction of the various component parts of the piano and can alter the overall pitch. Rates of change
vary in different parts of the scale such that the overall pitch level and the consonance between sections can be altered,
i.e. the piano goes "out of tune". As a consequence, pianos will go out of tune whether or not they
are played.
How often should I tune my piano?
How often a piano needs tuning will depend mostly on the stability of the environment in which
the piano is kept and the critical demands of the player. In an unstable environment consider having a Dampp-Chaser
(humidity control) system installed. The expense is not too great and the tuning will be more stable as a result.
What is regulation?
Piano actions need periodic
adjustment of the moving parts to compensate for wear, the compacting of felt and cloth, and changes due to fluctuations in
humidity. This process is called regulation. Each note in the piano requires several specific adjustments to
insure proper and uniform response.
What is voicing?
Voicing, also referred to as tone regulating, primarily involves making changes to the tone of the
piano by addressing the relative hardness, consistency or density of the hammer felt. Other factors may also contribute
to the tonal character or lack of tonal clarity or evenness such as the general shape of the hammer (from wear), hammer
to string mating, string seating, regulation, soundboard and bridge health and response. Assessing where the problem
lies and addressing those specific issues is part of the prevoicing procedure. Otherwise, where necessary, hammer felt
can be hardened by ironing, filing, pounding or through the use of chemical hardeners; or softened by inserting needles
into various parts of the hammer to soften them or change the consistency. Different manufacturer's hammers often
require different voicing techniques. Certain hammers start out softer and require playing in or hardening to achieve
the requisite hardness or density. New York Steinway hammers are an example of such a hammer. Other
hammers such as those used on many European pianos including Hamburg Steinway, Bechstein, Bosendorfer; or Yamaha
hammers, are much harder to begin with and must be softened to produce a resilient and open sound and to moderate
the initial attack sound. In addition to establishing the overall level, voicing is also done for evenness from note
to note, for balance between the various sections of the piano, to enhance sustain and to create a broader tonal palette. Voicing
is a highly technical procedure requiring experience and expertise and is as important as tuning in bringing out the potential
of the instrument and in giving control to the player.
So it sounds like having
my piano just tuned at each service may not be enough?
That depends on what you
want from the instrument. By spending a bit more time at each service appointment addressing those items that need the
most attention, like regulation and voicing, you can keep the piano performing at a consistently high level.
What is rebuilding?
Rebuilding encompasses
a variety of procedures during which the piano is restored to its "like new" condition. The term "rebuilding"
is not rigidly defined and many pianos that are termed "rebuilt" may vary considerably in the extent of the work
performed. When considering a rebuilding job it may be useful to think of the piano in terms of three main areas:
The bellyof the piano, which includes the strings, soundboard, bridges, pinblock, rim,
and structural bracing: (see below "When should the soundboard be replaced").
The
actionof the piano, which includes hammers, shanks, wippens, keys, dampers system, pedals and trapwork.
(see also below "My action is too heavy, what can I do about it")
The case,
which refers to the cosmetic appearance of the piano.
See the following page "Piano
Rebuilding and Restoration" for a list of items typically addressed in a complete restoration job. Rebuilding
procedures must be assessed for each individual piano as the needs of each piano may vary.
My action is too heavy. Why and what can I do about it?
The piano action
consists of a system of three levers which combine to create the total action leverage. In simple terms, the action leverage
determines how efficiently weight (in this case the hammer and related parts) can be lifted. Because a small change
in the weight of the hammer makes a larger change in the touchweight (how much force is required to depress the key), the
weight of the hammers must be balanced against the total system leverage. Only when the action leverage is coordinated
with the hammer weight will you get an action that is properly responsive. Actions do offer some flexibility between
heavier and lighter and all action jobs can be customized to the player's personal taste.
I've heard that the soundboard is the soul of the instrument and that it should never be replaced. How do I know
whether or not to replace the soundboard?
Briefly, once the soundboard has deteriorated
and stops functioning as it was designed to (assuming it functioned correctly to begin with), it bears little resemblance
to the board in its original condition and replacement should be considered. A properly functioning soundboard will
be designed in conjunction with the string tensions in a particular piano and will aim to balance attack, development and
sustain--qualities which are the component parts of piano tone. Failure is characterized by distortion, buzzing,
and is often most noticable in the lower treble where the piano develops a sharp and percussive attack and short
sustain. Not all soundboards will need to be replaced. Age, original design and construction and environment all
play a role in soundboard performance and longevity.
David Love Pianos
415
407 8320
