Voicing refers to the process of needling the piano hammers, etc. to acquire a proper and even tone throughout the entire piano. Hammers are usually filed first to regain their original shape, and then voicing can proceed after the piano has been tuned. Hammers that "stick out" as being too harsh or loud in tone can be needled very carefuly in certain places on the hammer to gently correct the tone and make the note play more evenly with the notes on either side of it.
All pianos can benefit from voicing, especially hammer filing to remove years of grooves to restore proper tone, however, the average piano may never experience a good, thorough, voicing that includes fine needling. Pianos that are used in churches, for concerts, recitals, and recording purposes usually benefit the most from finer voicing techniques since the tone they produce needs to be more evenly refined throughout the piano than it needs to be for the average player.
The tone of all pianos gradually worsen over time. Parts get worn and hammers get impacted, causing them to get hard and grooved from hitting the strings. Even the environment can cause changes in tone.
A new piano that sounded great on the showroom floor may not sound nearly as good in your home. Hardwood floors, carpet, ceiling height, room size, and many other items factor in to how the piano will sound in your home or studio.
Whether the tone is too bright and harsh, or dull and mellow, proper voicing can usually alter the tone of the piano in a way that is more desirable to you.
Voicing refers to the process of needling the
piano hammers, etc. to acquire a proper and
even tone throughout the entire piano. Hammers
are usually filed first to regain their original shape,
and then voicing can proceed after the piano has
been tuned. Hammers that "stick out" as being
too harsh or loud in tone can be needled very
carefuly in certain places on the hammer to gently
correct the tone and make the note play more
evenly with the notes on either side of it.
All pianos can benefit from voicing, especially hammer filing to remove years of grooves to restore proper tone, however, the average piano may never experience a good, thorough, voicing that includes fine needling. Pianos that are used in churches, for concerts, recitals, and recording purposes usually benefit the most from finer voicing techniques since the tone they produce needs to be more evenly refined throughout the piano than it needs to be for the average player.
The tone of all pianos gradually worsen over time. Parts get worn and hammers get impacted, causing them to get hard and grooved from hitting the strings. Even the environment can cause changes in tone.
A new piano that sounded great on the showroom floor may not sound nearly as good in your home. Hardwood floors, carpet, ceiling height, room size, and many other items factor in to how the piano will sound in your home or studio.
Whether the tone is too bright and harsh, or dull and mellow, proper voicing can usually alter the tone of the piano in a way that is more desirable to you.
