Little Things

Just about anyone who knows me, knows I like 'little things'...little pianos, miniature quilts, tiny little buttons.  I could go on and on.   I particularly like our little "Baby Grand" paper clip holder.

How cute is this? 



Sometimes in life, it's the little things that make you smile.   :)

Hammer Flanges

Technical Tuesday - Hammer Flanges

One more component to the Hammer Assembly!  The flange is such a small, unassuming component, but a very important member of the assembly as a whole.

Hammer Assembly

The flange attaches the hammer assembly to the action rail, and it's primary purpose is to line the hammer up and hold it in the correct position to strike the corresponding string.

In most piano actions, the hammer flange is made of wood, however, some piano actions have hammer flanges made of carbon fiber composite. 

Traditional Wooden Flange (see the hinge on the right side?)

Carbon Fiber Composite Flange (holding the hammer assembly to the action rail)

The hinge motion of the hammer flange is directly correlated to the touch of the piano's keys.  This motion is a key element in controlling the motion of the hammer as it strikes the string.  If you're interested in specifics, 2-3 grams of friction is ideal for the hinge.  If there is too much friction (too tight), the hammer will have difficulty in repeating; if there is not enough friction (too loose), the hammer is unable to strike the string the same way each time.  Either way, the player is unable to control the hammer if the friction in the hammer flange hinge isn't spot on.

There!  Now, aren't you glad you asked about hammer flanges?  

See you on the 18th for the next Technical Tuesday.  There's another component - can you guess it?  We have them on our hands and feet!

DISCLAIMER:  The yada yada as the other Technical Tuesdays.  :)

 

Humidity & Your Piano

Things got a little crazy around here this week, so we are having Technical Tuesday...on Wednesday.  :)

Your piano is made primarily of wood, which is not only beautiful, but a very versatile material.  This means your piano is also affected by humidity and climate changes.  Seasonal changes in humidity can cause wood parts to swell and shrink, affecting tuning stability and touch.  Humidity also affects the leather and felt materials in the piano's action, causing changes in dimension that affect regulation and friction.

What can you do to minimize humidity?

The first and most simple of precautions you can take is to position your piano away from areas where it would be exposed to extremes of temperature and humidity such as heating and cooling vents, stoves, doors and windows.  Direct sunlight is especially damaging.  If your home is not well insulated, an interior wall is preferable to an outside wall.

Controlling the humidity levels within your home is another step.  To monitor and measure the relative humidity changes in your home, moderately priced hygrometers are available at many home supply stores.

A practical solution to humidity problems in your home is to have a humidity control system installed in the piano itself.  The system has 3 parts:  a humidifier for adding moisture to the air, a dehumidifier for eliminating excess moisture, and a humidistat/control unit which senses the relative humidity of the air within the piano.  The humidistat/control unit activates the system to add or remove moisture only as needed.  The system is designed to maintain a relative humidity of 42%.  All components are installed out of view, and are very easy to maintain with minimal instruction.

How do you know if you need a humidity control system?

Your piano will tell you.  That bears repeating:  Your piano will tell you.  If you experience changes in the touch of the action, if your piano goes out of tune quickly after tuning service, or if you are noticing condensation on the metal parts of your piano, speak with your Technician.  Humidity may not be the only culprit.  Your experienced Technician will know best how to advise you.