THE
STRINGS
PIANO STRINGS
Every musical
effect in a piano must originate in the strings. The
soundboard, no matter how perfect, can only amplify
the sound produced by the strings. Pianos have from
215 to 230 steel strings graduated in length and
thickness to produce the 88 notes of a piano's scale
design. The shortest string is about 2", the
longest string may be 84" or longer.
The bass strings should be pure copper wound, not
plated.
Examine the spacing of the strings
in
relation to other strings, spaced evenly
without touching another string.
Depressing a key slowly, check
damper
alignment. At the same time, check as
hammer strikes the strings.
Check
to see if hammers strike all of the strings of all
notes.
Inspect the strings for even spacing (not touching
another string) and proper alignment with the
dampers.
Listen to the piano - Is the tonal output powerful
enough, at least impressive enough that you should
expect from a "classic" piano, but capable,
nevertheless, of filling a room no larger than 15
square feet or of a volume not more than say, 2500
cubic feet ?
Is the tonal output reasonably mellow (very bright
indicates hardened hammers from age or dry climatic
conditions).
Is the
tone even and with a fair singing quality ?
Is the
action satisfactory, that is, does it give a fairly
elastic response to your touch ?
The
proper weight for key depression is between 2 and
three ounces in general. Simply take a scale such as
weight watchers, or the postage scale at the post
office. Get a few weights (fishing tackle ok) and
find a small weight that weighs around 2 1/2 to 3
ounces.. place that weight on any piano keyboard
where the fingers play and the key should depress.
This is an accurate, but simple way to test for
touch, the average touch is around 2 1/2 ounces.
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