I've tried this tool on Yamaha U1 hammers and Renner Blue grand hammers. They do not penetrate
very far. I'm not sure, but what the size is the diameter of the needles, though that doesn't seem
right either.
Anyhow my procedure is to follow what is written on the box....
In the upright I roll up from the low shoulders starting with the shoulder most distant to me, the one
under what you can see. This tool works great for that and releases some surface tension.
I listen to the restult and then roll up from the top shoulder. Just roll up to where the grooves
begin, but not all the way over the crown either way.
You can do this later, but go slow.
I then roll side ways perpendicular to the first and then do an X pattern if more is needed.
These old U1 hammers are not that hard on the surface.
Rolling them smoothed this practice room piano out nicely, but did not demish power. There
was still attack on the harder blows. I suppose like sugar coating you're only going to affect
the pp>mp dynamic.
If you wish to take out more attack in soft dynamics roll over the crown.
You cannot press too hard or the wheel will become disloged.
Anyone else try this tool yet? What did you find?
I could do the entire piano very quickly prior to a tuning, so that I had
very nice tone for hearing.
Tonight I will try it on a Chinese/Storey & Clark...one of the worst
grands I have to tune. (Hallet and Davis comes in a close 2nd)....
These pianos do not render well, but I don't know why. They
look just fine when you look at the bridge/agraffes/capo. Everything
looks OK. Anyhow, a quick roll w/the derma roller will round out the
tone enough that I'll be able to get closer the first time through.
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Richard Adkins
Coe College Music Department
Piano Technician
Cedar Rapids IA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-12-2013 16:17
From: Richard Adkins
Subject: dermatology needle roller
My rollers arrived today, and I hope to report more on
what happens with some sample hammers. The needles
are very fine, more so than implied by the picture.
The wheel is total diameter including the needle tips
is only about 3/4". I tried rolling it on the back of
my hand, but hey do not penetrate. One has to
apply thumb pressure to get an impression. The
needles might not be sharp enough. I might try
them out on a chinese grand Sunday, but
certainly will do some trials on some spare
Imadegawa hammers I have. The spacing
of the needles might just be right to do the
tri-chord strings. Due to the curve of
the handle near the roller, it might be just
right for starting on the lower shoulder,
inside an upright action and rolling up
near the strike point. So, I am encouraged.
The needles are so small, they might not
tear the felt, or do anything. We'll see
and hear.
More later...
Richard
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Richard Adkins
Piano Technician
Coe College
Cedar Rapids IA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-08-2013 10:26
From: Richard Adkins
Subject: dermatology needle roller
Does this look workable for peppering?
I ran across this recently, and thought it might be adaptable for
"peppering". You can buy them in .5mm 1mm and 1.5mm.
I've been wanting to "invent" a better peppering tool, but
maybe I don't have to?
I can see myself zipping across an entire set of crusty hammers
in minutes....back and forth or up and down.
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Richard Adkins
Piano Technician
Coe College
Cedar Rapids IA
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