FRAMES, VASES

MA. CECILIA M. DE MESA · Post by **MA. CECILIA M. DE MESA** » 17 Jun 2008, 06:09

hi to everyone.... upright pianos are usually "decorated" by putting photo frames, vases, figurines, etc. on top... and i know almost all upright piano owners do this stuff. my question is... can these objects affect the sound produced by the piano? and if so... how many percent is its effect on the piano sound?

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 17 Jun 2008, 19:24

Annoying rattles - leaks form vases come to mind

Barrie,

Grenache · Post by **Grenache** » 17 Jun 2008, 19:32

I had a photo frame on the old piano which buzzed sympathetically with a couple of notes, but it didn't get my sympathy so I removed it to another part of the room.

A440 · Post by **A440** » 17 Jun 2008, 20:36

Generally with most uprights under 121cm a photo frame of medium size (say wedding or graduation) will have at least a 14% effect (in some cases as high as 18.5%). A smaller photo (cat, dog, tortoise etc) will have between 7%-9%.
Any vase will have a 33% effect. This is a constant and does not change due to atmospheric pressure or soundboard crown.

In the southern hemisphere these figures must be divided by a factor or 3.2 .
NEVER place a felt or embroidered cover over the keys as this will prematurely wear out the sharps by at least 14%!.

Be careful, however, of ANY statistic because it is believed at least 68.2% are either false or wildly inaccurate.

David B · Post by **David B** » 18 Jun 2008, 08:57

You speak much wisdom A440.

The effects of the photo frames and vases can be counteracted by painting the piano green and orange (or cerise and lime if its a Steinway). This will make it 100% louder.

A440 · Post by **A440** » 18 Jun 2008, 12:00

Be sure to use gloss paint and prepare the surface thoroughly with a solution of nutmeg and metal.
Any brass fittings (hinges, page-holders etc) should be treated with lemon juice, this will also make the piano louder.

Brumtuner · Post by **Brumtuner** » 18 Jun 2008, 17:47

This is a wind-up!!!!

Mace should be used, not nutmeg, jeeeez.

Post by **vernon** » 18 Jun 2008, 22:10

noises "in "pianos are generally caused by other things in the room. From experience, look at electric fires,obviously picture frames and anything loose even at the other side of the room. In older jos it can be a loose moulding on the top or bottom door which can reverberate depending on variations in the relative humidity ie some days and not others.
A very musical lady this week complained that her new piano had gone very mufled over-night. She had inadvertently locked the practice third pedal on. What should I charge?