Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > July 2002 > 2002.07.11 > 09Prev  Next


Ampico Sustain Pedal Compensating Pneumatics
By Craig Brougher

I'd like to clarify my previous letter here to say that the degree
of loud pedal compensation was equivalent to subtracting 1/2" sq total
from the spring pneumatic.  This is because of the way in which it is
hinged and then connected to the spring pneumatic.

The reason for the compensation was that further study proved that
when the loud pedal was on, the volume of the piano increased slightly,
due to the overall volume increase of the continuously ringing strings.
It's a simple concept.  If you graphed the power of a played note with
and without the sustain, the height of the curve in both cases would be
the same, but the decay time of the sustained note would be longer when
the loud pedal is on, so the area under the curve is a little greater
and the tendency of the ear to integrate that effect tells it the note
is louder, rather than equal but of longer duration (equally loud and
slower decay).

I think it is a false premise, since the rolls were not cut
accordingly, at least prior to the modification.

Craig Brougher


(Message sent Thu 11 Jul 2002, 15:24:29 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Ampico, Compensating, Pedal, Pneumatics, Sustain

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page