Geoff:
You can make a pattern, or simply use the felt itself. Lay the paper on the closed lid of the piano and draw/cut the outline. The resulting pattern will be slightly larger than the inside of the case, which is what you want. You'll want to cut back some overhang over the stretcher because the lid will extend several inches past the stretcher when it's closed.
The pattern will be a little larger than the inside of the case, which is good because the plate will lift the material in the middle, so the extra material is needed so it will reach the perimeter of the soundboard. Even if the material is a little excessive, you can place the edges against the inside of the case so it "seals" the soundboard. Most of the covers I've seen made by Edwards and Dawson and others have battens sewn in to keep the material from touching the strings. You can do this with magnets instead. Radio Shack sells them. Simply stretch the cloth across the struts and hold in place with the magnets. Or you could use some monofilament fishing line and tie across the struts for the same purpose.
If you want to get decorative, you can sew a nice border pattern and serger the edges so they look clean and won't unravel. You could have an embroidery company make a logo or name of the piano.
Not exactly rocket science, but it takes a bit of doing.
As far as baffles, acoustic foam is only good for about 15% reduction in sound in my experience. You can order from Markertek (sp?) or other sound company. Sometimes you can find some on Craigslist from someone making/selling excess foam in their sound studio. It won't block sound, but absorbs some. For that you'd need some vinyl mass-loaded soundproofing which is much heavier and more expensive. The foam material most people think of is meant to absorb reflections of sound from walls and not meant for blocking sound altogether.
For cutting foam, use an electric knife. Ask the wife first!
Paul McCloud
San Diego
Original Message------
> pick up some string cover material too.
I realize this is probably fuel for another thread, but I've wanted to learn how to make my own string covers, with fabric store material, for a while and nobody around here, (not meaning this group), either knows how to do it or is willing to share the procedure. Is this something that you can explain? For instance, how do you figure out how to lay out and cut the material for the shape of a given piano so that it fits correctly?
Thanks --
-- GS
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Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
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