Regulating
Regulating is the process of adjusting the mechanical parts in a piano. There are three basic systems in the piano that need to be regulated: the action, the trapwork (pedal lyre), and the damper system. Most of the components in a piano’s action and damper system are made of felt, leather, and wood. These components will change in shape and dimension when the relative humidity changes and as they wear from normal use. Every piano is subject to changes in relative humidity and normal wear, and thus every piano will eventually need to be regulated. Frequently, even new pianos will need to be regulated.
The maintenance interval for regulating will vary by piano. Factors that will influence this interval include frequency and duration of use, the piano’s quality, the pianist’s performance expectations for the piano, and environmental conditions for the room that the piano is in. Some pianos, such a concert pianos, may receive some regulating work before each performance. Other pianos, such as inexpensive spinets, will desperately need regulation, but will never receive this level of attention due to cost restraints. Most pianos that are played 3-10 hours per week should be completely regulated at least once every five years.
There are a few signs that piano owners can look for when considering whether to ask for regulating work: 1) Uneven keys. 2) Difficulty playing pianissimo passages. 3) Lack of power. 4) Poor repetition. 5) Chronic fatigue when playing.
In addition to regulating, a piano may need to be reconditioned when the various felt and leather parts become worn. The most common reconditioning work that needs to be performed is reshaping the hammers. Over time and with normal use, the strings will leave grooves in the hammer. When these impressions become too deep, the tone of the piano will suffer, and the hammers must be reshaped. In some cases, a set of hammers will need to be replaced. Other components that frequently need to be reconditioned or replaced include the key bushings, the back checks, the damper felts, and the knuckles. Many older pianos will need so much reconditioning work that the more practical and economical option is to rebuild the entire action. Please see the page titled ”Rebuilding and Restringing.”
Tone Voicing
Few piano owners understand that the tone of the piano can be changed significantly by the piano technician. A piano will often sound too dull or too bright, or the tone and volume will vary from note to note. Yamaha owners may complain that their piano’s tone is too bright, while Steinway owners may complain that their piano’s tone is too dull. The solution is to use a process known as voicing.
The various techniques used in voicing may include reshaping the hammers, needling the hammers, lacquering the hammers, and leveling the strings.
All of these techniques require significant training and experience to perfect, and should only be attempted by a qualified RPT. Voicing that is attempted by an untrained technician may result in a ruined set of hammers.
