Pianotech

  • 1.  Voicing question using ETD spectrum analysis

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-28-2023 19:11

    As I follow the Piano Scope conversation, and the mention of Piano Meter in the conversation, I discovered that many tuning apps include a spectrum analysis feature. On the Piano Scope website there is a video where he demonstrates his spectrum analyzer as a tool for analyzing the partials for a more informed voicing job. In that video he shows a note in the middle of the piano that is well balanced vs the note right next to it where the fundamental is very low. There is a very obvious difference in tonality. Today's question: How would you go about voicing a hammer that has a need to bring up that P1 fundamental but does not necessarily need a boost in any of the other partials?  



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    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
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  • 2.  RE: Voicing question using ETD spectrum analysis

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-28-2023 21:07
    Geoff

    I would add a little B72 to the shoulders of the hammers. 

    But this brings up a rather interesting question. What good is a spectrum analyzer if the technician doesn't know what to do with what is being shown. 

    I'm not disregarding your abilities. You're asking a legitimate question.  But to me this is like a tuner who only tunes with an ETD, but doesn't know how to make corrections when the chord doesn't sound right. 

    Wim





  • 3.  RE: Voicing question using ETD spectrum analysis

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-28-2023 23:24

    Thank you for the first part of your reply, Wim. Please understand that I was not suggesting that a spectrum analyzer provides the answer when diagnosing anything. I was only observing that this guy pointed out a problem with P1, specifically, on that note and suggested voicing as the cure. 

    Voicing, as I understand it, albeit simplistically, is making the hammer, or parts of the hammer, harder so that the note is louder/brighter, or making it softer so that the note is quieter/warmer. I understand that voicing in different areas of the hammer is used to affect overall tonality relative to F playing vs p playing. The possibility that voicing can possibly be so selective as to which specific partial it is attempting to correct is a new concept for me. Especially since no mention of the condition of the hammer and how hard the note is being played to produce the displayed deficiency is being taken into account. I was asking how voicing for that specific a correction could be accomplished at all. How can you correct the response of a specific partial when voicing? 



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    Geoff Sykes, RPT
    Los Angeles CA
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