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Len

I have just bought a Kawai RX-1 and love it (and thanks to all here for opinions etc when I was looking for the piano). This is my first grand piano, however, and I am wondering if I should be bothered by the following.

Essentially, I can hear the sustain pedal at work:

1. When I press on the pedal (so that the dampeners lift off the strings), I can hear a light "schiiiing" sound. Since the dampeners were resting on the strings, I guess this would be expected, but the sound is louder than I expected. Of course, this sound is apparent only when the lid of the grand is lifted.

2. Similarly, when I then let go of the sustain pedal, I can hear a "thud" as the dampeners come back to rest on the strings.

I expected a slight noise, but it does seem a bit loud, especially if I can going to be placing sensitive microphones near that area to record my playing. Just wondering why it does not appear to be so apparent on recordings of piano pieces.

Thoughts, anyone? Or should I just get a tuner in?

Cheers

Len
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Barrie Heaton · Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 4:44 pm Post subject:

The "schiiiing" sound is common on new pianos it will go or you can get the tuner to iron the double splits as this is where it is coming form

As to the thud that you will have to live with and learn to control your pedal

Micing up a piano is good fun with sensitive microphones if you go over the string you will pick up action noise if you mike for under the piano you pick up the pedals best to use 2-3 mics set at a low recording level or if the background noise level is low 2 mics about 3 meters away up above the rim

Kawai do a piano recording kit

Barrie
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Len · Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 5:31 pm Post subject:

Many thanks Barrie.

I'll let the piano settle in.

You are right, I need to just watch my piano pedaling technique.

I have only been able to play digital pianos for many many years - this is my first acoustic piano in about 15 years!!!!! So you can imagine these things stand out.

But I can tell you that having this REAL acoustic piano to play just makes me so euphoric I cannot describe it (not in a family-based forum anyway haha).

Thanks again!
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Openwood · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 7:43 am Post subject:

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 9:47 am Post subject:

Barrie Heaton · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 9:55 am Post subject:

Openwood · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 2:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Barrie - will ask tuner to investigate!
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Openwood: Just enough knowledge to be dangerous.

vernon · Regular Poster Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 31

when dampers go up they hiss. When they come down they thud. Listen to the music not the mechanics.
vernon

Openwood · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 8:41 pm Post subject: