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Re: Duo-Art Playing Too Loud
By John Grant

Hi Pete and List Readers,

It sounds as if you are doing all the logical things, i.e., smaller motor pulley, reducing accordion travel, disabling crash valve, etc. I have occasionally had to take similar steps. There are two additional areas you need to examine.

(1) The expression box regulator springs. Sometimes they are of equal basic strength, i.e., wound of the same diameter wire. More frequently, at least in grands, one spring will have a higher spring "constant" having been would from larger diameter wire than the other. Make sure this stronger spring is on the Theme regulator, not the Accompaniment. Recognize that the stretched force of these springs determines the maximum dynamic of the expression box, therefore the collars of these springs (in your case) should probably be adjusted "downward" so that their forces are minimized to the extent possible when stretched by the regulator board's movement. In extreme cases it may be necessary to replace these springs with ones having a lighter constant, but, before doing this, consider the other area of concern:

2) Look to the piano action itself, particularly hammer hardness. It really sounds to me as if you should have a qualified piano technician evaluate the hammers for possible voicing. _Do not_ attempt this yourself unless you understand hammer voicing thoroughly, as it is pretty much a "black art" in my opinion. Good luck, and let us know how things turn out.

-John Grant


(Message sent Sat 17 Aug 1996, 18:30:59 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Duo-Art, Loud, Playing, Too

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