Adjusting touch sensitivity in pianissimos...

I asked my technician just the other day. He replied that it is not possible. However, I thought I had understood that it could be done. Regarding the upright piano, I remember it was an adjustment I had commissioned, and indeed it remains more "sensitive" than the grand.

But I really don't know how it's done.

For the vertical, it is enough to bring the hammer parameters closer and move the pilots into a higher position (if Maestro Ferrarelli confirms).

No no no no. Good regulation must allow for the lightest pianissimo and the maximum fortissimo.

First of all, let me say, giving up on this good regulation will, little by little, lead schools to not believe that it is possible to develop these abilities to express "the colors" of our instrument.

I am sorry to use myself as an example again, but if you listen to my Debussy Estampes recorded live several years ago, and precisely the final chords of Soirée dans Grenade, you will hear that I ventured four different colors from mp to p to pp up to ppp.

This was possible, despite the piano being a small G1, thanks to the precise regulation I demanded on the instrument.

It is entirely possible; just regulate the let-off point at one millimeter from the string, with a drop of about 2 mm. Loosen the spring just enough so that the hammer returns decisively and has sufficient depth (about 10mm for C3). Naturally, if the mechanical friction is not correct, this regulation goes down the drain. One might have to reinforce the spring, and the let-off point would be felt much more under the finger. Standard regulated hammers and just enough pilot to reach the right hammer-string distance.

Final test: with your finger in contact with the key, reach the let-off point and give a small tap. You must feel the hammer graze the string, producing a slight sound. It is entirely possible! In fact, it is necessary to develop maximum expression on the keyboard, especially in the colors of "cantabile"."

I remember that the listening for Estampes is on page 3 of the Audio section

Nancy, in the vertical [action/mechanism], the procedure is similar, but you must remove the mute which imposes, if installed, bringing the escapement point to about 3 mm.

But then you....you have a magnificent Seiler, but I seem to remember. It can be regulated very well. It has excellent mechanics.

Francescopianist wrote:

It is exactly what is happening to my piano! That means it is well regulated. It was a personal curiosity. Also, I am waiting for the action with the new hammer felt, so I would like to preserve this fantastic regulation. Then I think that much also depends on the pianissimo cushion shaped at the tip, slightly sinking the needles at the tip and recompacting the felt. My hammer felt had problems on the forte (the sound became dirty) as well as an absurd flattening. Anyway, did I pass? ☺

pianoexpert wrote:

But then you....you have a magnificent Seiler, but it seems I remember. It can be regulated very well. It has excellent mechanics.

Oh, remember correctly. But I always have the feeling that it is not regulated to its full potential. It is a very "alive" piano. Its timbre can be "worked" with many variables based on environmental conditions of acoustics and/or humidity... which can also be advantageous. As for mechanics, however, it's missing just a tiny bit to be more mine....the pedal regulation I did a long time ago was extremely helpful. And this other regulation on the dynamics would give it even more, making it perfect..but it's always the same problem..Who should I have it done by, since the technician doesn't even know what I'm talking about?

I am attaching the link... http://www.pianoconcerto.it/forum/index.php?/topic/3208-les-estampes-di-debussy/?hl=estampes

Compliments indeed!!! It doesn't sound like a G1!!! The artist is not just the pianist, but also the technician. Imagine a Michelangeli without his technician and his pianos...

Great Maestro! An interpretation rich in colors and expressiveness, indeed!

A vacation in Sicily... no eh?,!?

Thank you for the compliments. It was only to exemplify the attempt to achieve the intentions. That time it went quite well. It is not always like that. However, I felt that piece especially much. These distant sounds of voices and castanets mixing fascinate me. The warm wind of the Alhambra, the sounds of gypsy guitars. A great piece. I am glad you liked it. In fact, when playing Debussy, one must be sure that the piano is capable of making these things possible for us. I haven't played these pieces for many years. On your instrument, Nancy, this is possible. The Seiler is sweet and malleable. Easy and responsive action. Perfectly suited to this type of music. Thank you

Thank you for the invitation to Sicily, dear Nancy,......land of sweet scents and strong flavors! If I decide to come, I will not fail to let you know. An affectionate greeting

Thanks also to Simone for clarifying the link

updating the situation!

i managed to get the pianissimo regulation done!!! I followed my instinct and had it done by a young tuner who is passionate and attentive to my requests!! being very young, I had some reservations about his experience but instead....

wwwoooowww now I can truly feel my piano "sweet and malleable". before, it felt like I had a beautiful but somewhat capricious horse in my hands... to be tamed!

doing the test you mentioned, lowering [the key] down to the escapement point and giving a little tap, one hears an extremely weak sound.... the escapement point is much more noticeable than before, but I feel the keyboard is much more responsive and I have much less difficulty obtaining what I want.... now he has to come back for the tuning, but I feel relieved. I am sure he will do a great tuning!!!

Please, watch the tuning!!!! That piano, especially in the central section, is too bright! It clearly emerged from the recordings you sent me. The highs and lows are very beautiful instead; demand excellent tuning for the regulation as well!

but if I have it tuned properly.....what excuse will I have left to justify the imperfections of my performances!!!!!!!!

joking...

Don't act modest about playing very well, and with a repertoire of a certain technical caliber as well!

Franck's Prelude, Chorale and Fugue is no small feat...

....mmh no no! I would like another entire lifetime to reach the point of playing as I desire