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#651025 03/07/07 11:52 AM
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I have a client that may have an issue with a somewhat "blurred" sound when using the pedals on her Studio upright. Even when with "Proper Pedal Technique"
Not being a well seasoned pianist myself, my question is, what would be considered Proper Pedal Technique?
If this question belongs in another category of Pianoworld, please advise.

Thank you all

Mark


Mark D. Montbriand
Mark's Piano Service
PTG Associate Member


Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the one you did.
So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.
- Mark Twain
#651026 03/07/07 06:32 PM
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You don't state make, model and vintage.

It could be the pedal technique is not appropriate for this piano. It could also be that the dampers are somewhat leaky and do not cut off the sound quickly enough. Possible damper felt replacement?


JG
#651027 03/08/07 01:48 PM
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My understanding of "proper pedal technique" actually involves a bit of blurring. What I was taught is:
play the first chord, press down on the pedal;
play the second chord, quickly lift and repress the pedal before the keys are released;
play the third chord, etc.
The idea is to make a smooth line without audible spaces between chords, while not making the music all muddy by having both the first and second chords sounding at once. So the lifting of the pedal in relationship to the second chord comes within an instant after the keys are pressed, and the release an instant after that.

If the dampers are not able to cut off the sound of one chord completely when they are briefly in contact with the strings, the first chord will bleed into the subsequent chord. So all sorts of damper questions arise: felts too old? not seating? regulation off? pedal excursion distance off? And then, more awkwardly, some pianist questions arise: foot not lifted enough for the dampers to seat briefly? foot lifted enough, but not repressing the pedal quickly enough?

So many possibilities --


Dorrie Bell
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Boston, MA
#651028 03/08/07 02:16 PM
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How old is the piano/
I've found the that on quite a few pianos I've tried that had a blurred sustain-ey sound were due to loss of down bearing pressure on the bridge and of crown of the sound board.
That when notes are played while holding the sustain pedal, the unplayed strings will start resonating louder than on a piano that has the proper down bearing causing a blurred sound.


Dan (Piano Tinkerer)
#651029 03/08/07 02:25 PM
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I am dealing with a Weinbach Studio Upright built in 2000
The person telling me about this issue she may have at times with this is an accomplished piano teacher. I suspect she knows exactly what the proper pedal technique is, however, I don't.
But great things to know!!!

Thanks to all!


Mark D. Montbriand
Mark's Piano Service
PTG Associate Member


Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the one you did.
So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.
- Mark Twain

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