Pianotech

  • 1.  Softening new muffler felt

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-18-2020 16:22
    I just installed new, graduated felt mute strips on the mute rail in a Suzuki Upright. The felt seems to be quite a bit more dense than what I replaced, and is causing the felt to swipe and sound neighboring strings to the note struck. Has anyone tried voicing this felt, perhaps with fabric softener or steam to mitigate this? I realize a large part of the problem is the Japan felt hammer rocks, but the customer fell in love with the previous mute rail sound. Or perhaps a bit of vodka on both mute and hammers?
    These are the tendonitis voicing-style hammers.
    Thanks
    Joe Wiencek, NYC


  • 2.  RE: Softening new muffler felt

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-18-2020 17:28
    I suggest you purchase strips from another supplier - the stuff I got from suppliers was quite thin, requiring me to glue two pieces together to get the appropriate effect. Or get strips from Kawai or Yamaha, which should be appropriate (not too thin, not too thick).

    ------------------------------
    Patrick Draine
    Billerica MA
    978-663-9690
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Softening new muffler felt

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-18-2020 19:55
    I've had good luck with Joann Fabric. A variety of colors too.

    ------------------------------
    -Phil Bondi
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Softening new muffler felt

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-18-2020 23:31
    I wonder how woven Kevlar, (aramid fiber), would work for a mute? Sure would resist cutting. It is rather "soft" feeling when it is not coated with epoxy.

    ------------------------------
    Edward McMorrow
    Edmonds WA
    425-299-3431
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Softening new muffler felt

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-19-2020 09:23
    BTW, to my knowledge, "Suzuki" pianos sold here have all been made in China.

    ------------------------------
    David Stocker, RPT
    PNWRVP
    Olympia WA
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Softening new muffler felt

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-19-2020 10:21
    Indeed, they feel like a Chinese piano through and through (an earlier, not so very good version.) The hammer felt has printed "Japan Felt" on the side. I'm mot aware of where this felt comes from, but it could be used to crumble larger rocks into smaller rocks. 

    Joe