What causes the strings of a grand to tend to twang and sound like a second note is being played when hit a couple of times, such as in a trill? This is particularly true in the tenor and bass sections of my Young Chang 6 footer. Can it be cured? Thanks for your help.

This sounds a lot like a problem I had. It turned out that the hammer was not hitting all three strings squarely. Also required a bit of voicing on some of them.

I would guess you are looking at more a regulation problem. Voicing could be a secondary reason also. You need the services of a qualified technician to correctly diagnose and remedy the problem(s). He may first ask a number of questions such as the age of the piano, how long the problem has existed, has it gotten worse recently, etc. etc. Be frank and honest with your answers for they can often lead him quickly to the answers you seek. PNO2NER

You may have one of those "seasoned for destination" pianos. Sounds like this one is seasoned for Nashville!

Sorry, I couldn't resist!

If by "sound like a second note is being played" you mean that the hammer is double striking, this could be the backcheck not catching the hammer after it bounces back from the string allowing it to bounce up and hit the string again. This is a regulation problem that isn't difficult to solve as long as the parts are not worn out. If that's not what you mean, it still is probably a regulatin problem and you just need to get a technician out to look things over.

Niles Duncan
Piano rebuilder, Pasadena, CA
www.pianosource.com

Many thanks! Now I am satisfied that everything I have identified as a problem or an anoyance is a matter of regulation, I am happy. A good technician is due in May and I will see what it all costs. Then the only questions is, is it worth what it costs relative to other alternatives.

Here is another question. I never quit do I? Can a piano of humble origins, but decent materials, be taught to sing? Since YC took Steinway's look, did they also use their scales?

It already knows how to twang. You should be able to teach it to yodel.