Steinway concert grand piano hammer voicing with chemical hardeners

[@joshnme]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial. I've done shaping and needling to soften harsh tones but need to learn the use of hardeners. Unfortunately, the audio on the PC, even with good speakers does your work no justice but the information displayed is quite valuable. Much appreciated.

[@jbuzz8853]

Same on my iPhone, even with good ear buds. I went back and forth and it sounds the same. I’m sure it sounds different on better equipment. Too bad we have these electronic limitations.

[@shanhuawang360]

/0.9-2,21/- just beautiful Steinway s sound . From/10,53 and next/-sound of Yamaha. Why need change ?

[@paulknight6508]

Just go buy a c3 yamaha grand if want that sound.

[@NMpianotechnician]

Hello. Why do you you only voice the backside of the hammers on 9-12?

[@aeroseb1]

yes plse answer :) Can you tell us also if after this hardening u filed the all set after (to remove the outer crusting felt laye) or needled some of them ? Thks very much.

[@oliverheaviside2539]

Steinway recommends using nitrocellulose lacquer, not acrylic. Do you have experience with both?

[@christinenorbe8618]

You don’t need to mask up while applying?

[@fredfred2363]

Can't hear any difference... Or can someone point out excerpts on the before to the after?

[@ATpianoperformance]

Thanks for your comment. Try toggling between 1:16 and 12:02

[@elpianista8905]

Hello, it would be right with Paraloid™ B 72 in Ethylacetat 10% as well? Thank you

[@joshbonner9409]

What solution do you use?

[@rossmorrow3013]

I appreciate that the young chap playing the piano didn’t appear to be able to show any significant difference in its tone by his playing of Clare de Lune, it wouldn’t be my way to find out what the changes were by playing it loud all the time, where were any of the most basic dynamics? I remember speaking to one of the London Techs, and generally speaking, when a piano came into the shop it was set up and tuned, end of. They very rarely changed the tone of the piano, also, I was told that they/you shouldn’t ever apply hardening agent directly to the crown only on the different parts of the shoulder. I would agree with another contributor, if you want that sort of brash sound, you need to go look at some other make of piano.

[@rogershaffer1]

B72 is a solid. Acetone is liquid. How do come up with your ratios.? What standard of measurement? Ounces, mililiters, drams? Too vague about methodology to be useful . Also why not use a pipette so you can add precise amounts to each hammer?

[@ATpianoperformance]

Please see video description for mixing ratios. I think ratios are best described in % solids (something I realized after I edited the video!). Please note that I did not intend for this video to be a definitive guide to voicing! It was basically an experiment caught on film meant to introduce the concept of chemical voicing. I think that voicing is something that is learned through trial and error and experimentation. My current voicing strategy is very different than what is displayed in the video and is hopefully always evolving. In regard to pipettes, I think they're great! My current practice is to use mostly pipettes and to watch how the fluid soaks into the hammer while counting drops. A brush like I'm using in the video probably holds about 10 drops of fluid and is a quick way to apply that amount consistently. I find brushes are also useful in upright pianos where you can apply to the underside and strike point of hammers without removing the action.

[@carlosgordillo5660]

@@ATpianoperformance Could you describe one of the main changes in your current voicing strategy other than aplyinw with pipettes?

[@malaysiapianotuningandrepa4290]

Can we apply on hamburg?

[@PhedraBcn]

Processes for hammer fabrication are different between Hamburg and NYC. Hamburg hammers are pressed and need softening. The opposite for NYC which need strengthening

[@stevemartin7721]

That's way too much IMHO. I'd start by adding some just before & aft of the staple. It's surprising what a difference this makes

[@prodiver7]

There's an obsession with making modern Steinways (modern pianos!) too hard and steely with too much attack, which prevents really velvety soft playing...

[@vasilikonstan]

It all comes down to preference. Some people enjoy a brighter more percussive sound. Some people like the rounder, more supple sound. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. It all comes down to the client, and what they want out of their piano.