Hello everyone. I have a Kawai upright BL-31 that gives me a lot of satisfaction, especially after the last regulation. The key dip has been increased and the repetitions (paramartelletti) brought closer. It is in such good condition that I find myself playing better on mine than on a horizontal Steinway at the conservatory, which has poorly regulated action. I have a question. The piano has a particularly "boomy" sound, especially in the bass, with highs that are not very "singing" (I have to play heavily to make them sound), and there is always a trail of sound remaining. Let me give you an example: I press a key, the corresponding note sounds, and gradually the sound enriches with harmonics (so far so good); then I release the key, the sound stops, but a trail of harmonics remains for a fraction of a second. Could it be a problem with the dampers? How do I regulate them? Thank you.
I forgot to say that logically it results in a VERY muddy and powerful sound on the lows (subwoofer effect). I, on the other hand, am looking for a cleaner sound.
I advise you to check the dampers, especially those of the bass. As for the dull sound, it depends 90% on the hammer felt. Either it is too soft or it has been voiced too much. It may be necessary to replace it, eventually. As Simone says well, one needs to see in what environment it plays and also one must check the release of the dampers; perhaps they release too early. Also check the release of the sustain pedal.
I am responding after 5 years, but it is worth it for the forum members to provide an answer to the problem. I neglected this piano for a while (pianoexpert knows a bit about the history of my grand piano and its recent replacement). I have decided to refurbish this beautiful upright as well, which in the meantime has suffered some consequences due to age and a bit from not being cared for, caught up in the troubles caused by my previous grand piano. But now it deserves that my energy and loving care go to it as well. I had the entire piano taken to the workshop for a general structural and mechanical check-up. The hammer rail was replaced with an identical one provided by Abel (contact established through the piano tuner - is that how you say it? - with Abel in Germany). Hammers, model, and serial number were sent, and they would take care of the rest. So, the new complete hammers arrived in Italy, including stiletto and walnut. During the in-home tuning phase, it will be evaluated whether impregnation will also be necessary. Once back in the workshop, a light layer of fuzz was removed from the heads. Springs were replaced, a general check of frictions was performed, escapement levers, straps, felts, and various skins were replaced. The good parts, however, were cleaned to try to preserve as much of the instrument's originality as possible. Condition of the strings and soundboard is excellent. And now we come to the question asked: the bridge related to the bass strings was found to be completely unglued! However, I must say that it held its tuning for a very long time; perhaps it doesn't affect it that much? Anyway, it has been reglued and screwed back in. I will keep you updated on the result.
