|
Tuning, Regulating & Voicing
As a musician and a master voicer, tuner and regulator, sound is the most important and fascinating facet of the piano for me. Unlike many other instruments the sound of the piano has changed tremendously since the first piano-forte was built. Although, the case, soundboard and strings create the particular tone of each piano, it is the condition of the hammers and the way in which the piano is tuned that ultimately brings out the brilliance and warmth of the instrument.
I have been fortunate to learn from, and work with, many fine voicers, tuners and regulators, as well as outstanding pianists. Our long conversations, discussions and searches, and my work on hundreds of grand pianos, have given me a deep and profound understanding of where to find, and how to bring forth, the finest quality of tone, timbre and sound a piano can give.
If you would like to learn more about tuning, regulating and voicing - check out our PIANO TUNING WORKSHOP
|
The Art of Piano Tuning is to create a scale in which every combination of notes promises to gratify the ear.
Imagine reading a page typed in a blurred font:
Unisons out of tune are like blurred fonts. Out of tune octaves are like letters printed in different sized fonts, and playing a piano with an uneven temperament, is like reading a page in which every letter is in a different style.
Twenty years of tuning experience have taught me that tuning the traditional way, by ear, gives the tuner the most flexibility to fine tune the piano. By first establishing a well tempered extended middle octave using 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, intervals, then, using the same intervals, to set satisfying and soothing octaves, and last but not least, perfecting unisons, I assure my customers harmonious pianos.
The Art of Piano Voicing is to manually treat each and every hammer to insure the most beautiful timbre possible evenly throughout all octaves.
Sound is a very subjective matter, a little like perfume. And, even though there is a general agreement regarding quality of sound, like in the world of fragrance ,individual tastes vary widely.
The great piano manufacturers, Steinway & Sons (New York and Hamburg), Bosendorfer, Bechstein, Chickering, Fazioli, to mention a few, all created their pianos with a specific sound in mind. It is my expertise as a master voicer to bring out the optimum timbre of each and every piano.
However, because tone is very personal I make sure to work closely with the musician and create the quality of sound that is inspiring and beautiful to the pianist.
The Art of Piano Regulating is to create an even and comfortable touch throughout the keyboard that guarantees control and ease to the pianist’s fingers and hands.
Regulating the piano, from leveling the keys through blow distance, let off and drop, bending backchecks and springs, fly under knuckles, turning hundreds of screws, to the key dip, for the preferred after touch, as well as measuring and installing lead for exact weigh-off, is to modulate one of the most complicated machines ever built.
After regulating hundreds of Steinway&Sons grand pianos at Steinway & Sons restoration center, I assure you a flawless touch and an effortless command over your piano.
If you would like to learn more about tuning, regulating and voicing - check out our PIANO TUNING WORKSHOP
|
|
|
"I cannot believe the difference in the feel of my piano now. Leaner, cleaner, and more responsive."
— John Lampkin, pianist & composer
"I could say more…About Israel's ear? Sensitivity to tuning, his desire to please customers, the time and care he takes… My Steinway possesses the most exquisite touch because of the masterful work of Israel Schossev. On it I can tackle the most technically demanding repertoire with ease."
— Virginia Perry Lamb, Manhattan school of music, faculty
". . . It's an incredible treat to hear a small town festival with such excellent pianos available to the performers. Israel Schossev is not just a piano restorer. He's a music lover."
— Leslie Gerber, Woodstock Times
". . .a program of Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Rachmaninoff on one of the superb Steinways that the company refurbishes… the nation's best at such things."
—Paul Smart, Ulster Publishing
"I realized that Israel was the right one to rebuild my instrument. I intrusted him with a very important part of my life. The work was first rate and he was extremely professional in our dealings…Israel has total passion for his work and takes great pride in it. It shows. I highly recommend him…. You will be in good hands should you choose him."
— Jonathan Feldman, Chairman, Collaborative Piano Department, The Julliard School
"It was an outstanding job for the entire feel and sound of the piano was customized to me needs . . . Israel's craftsmanship is excellent and perhaps even more importantly, he takes personal pride in taking the extra steps to insure that his work meets his own high standards of perfection."
— Lisa Dippold - Menard, pianist, composer, teacher
|
|
