Dynamics Wanted

Dynamics? Do you mean expanding the range of possibilities in terms of volume or something else?

The instrument's ability to perform pianissimos and fortissimos.

It depends on the skill of the piano builder, that is, how they managed to economize space and therefore the relative efficiencies.

If the piano has the right amount of friction, a correct and proper regulation of the mechanism by the tuning technician will do the rest.

Pianoaccordatore wrote:

... a correct and proper regulation of the mechanism by the tuning technician....

Good, and what do you usually do?

I check the hammer-string distance in relation to the key dip.

Then hammer let-off and drop; hammer escapement; repetition spring strength; upright alignment; dampers. . .

If you watch the videos made by Paolo and Simone on upright and grand adjustments, you will find the entire sequence of the mechanism adjustment.

Thank you Pianoaccordatore, always kind.

. . .sergio's initial question was about how to act on the regulation to succeed in executing pp and ff.

Well, an escapement closer to the string produces greater ease in achieving the pianissimo.

For the forte, however, the alignment of the upright with the front wooden part of the roller is very important, which indeed affects the attack of the forte; furthermore, a greater distance of the hammer from the string contributes to having more power in the instrument's forte dynamics.

Pianoaccordatore wrote:

Well, the escapement closer to the string makes it easier to perform the pianissimo.

What do you mean by escapement closer to the string?

It's the pianissimos that I'm somewhat lacking!

In some passages, I only depress the keys without producing any sound.

the escapement is the moment when the repetition lever pivots on its button and moves aside.

At this moment, the hammer "escapes" from the string and moves away vertically, while in the tail there is the fall of the same.

The escapement or hammer snap is adjusted by the escapement button; to reduce the snap, raise the button by turning it counter-clockwise.

Obviously Sergio, one must take into account that in the regulation of a used piano, the wear of the felts and excessive friction do not allow for a perfect regulation of the entire mechanism.

Therefore, before intervening in the regulation of the mechanism, it would be necessary to verify "the state of health" of the center pins, the key pins, the kazimir gaskets of the key flanges. . . in short. . . one step at a time.

Good luck with your work

Now it is a bit clearer: dynamics are the result of many mechanical adjustments made well and with much experience.

Thank you.

The dynamics of a piano can be increased in two ways. One is, as you have illustrated, the realm of regulation. A deeper key dip and a greater distance of the hammer from the string increase the dynamic range.....although they make life a little more difficult for the pianist.

The second concerns a structural modification. That is, recalculating the plate and making it larger and, at the same time, taking into consideration freeing the soundboard slightly from excessive load. Two operations that must be carefully weighed, because they develop great dynamics in the instrument and significantly suppress the "brake" on the sound.

Thank you Pianoexpert, have a good Sunday.