Hi All,

I've enjoyed the treatise on Duo-Art volume levels for the past week or
two, but all of the "solutions" to the "problem" have been rather
involved.

I, too, have a number of customers who complain about their reproducers
being "to loud". My solution has satisfied every one of them and it's
very simple.  But first, let me say that when I encounter this
"problem", I realize from the start that the customer wants "background"
music and not an artistic performance, so I react accordingly.

I simply install a _very good_ variable speed control in line with the
motor.  This simple procedure allows the customer to set their own
"comfortable" volume level without changing _any_ calibrated settings.

I know what you're going to say: that it messes up the low end and some
notes won't speak at all.  Right, but at that low level you'd have to be
within a few feet of the piano to "not hear" the missing notes. Besides,
I tell the customer that it will happen. The point is, I leave it up to
the individual.  After they've spent hundreds, maybe thousands of
dollars getting the unit restored to factory specifications and like-new
quality, it would be insane to "undo" all that expensive work to satisfy
an unrealistic need.

Reproducing pianos were never intended to be used like a stereo system,
and I have no problem telling the customer that fact. But if they insist
on utilizing the instrument that way, why shouldn't I make a few more
dollars and accommodate them in a safe and sane manner?

Just my opinion.

Musically, John Tuttle

P.S. I also tell them that if the level is set too low, the automatic
rewind and shut-off may not work correctly and the auto-sustain and
hammer rail lift (subdued) may not have enough "umph" to do their
respective jobs.

 [ Ed. Note: An interesting approach, John.  Does the motor get hot?
 [ I always thought that induction motors (excepting torquer motors)
 [ were likely to overheat at lower-than-normal voltage.  -- Robbie