"Hammer and Piano: The Importance of the Hammer as a Sound-shaping Element in Grand Pianos"
Dear students,
Today's topic is the hammer mechanism of the piano. Hammer, as its name suggests, is an essential component of a piano that requires careful consideration and attention. It is a matter of great importance to discuss what type of hammer is suitable for a piano and how it is installed.
The evolution of the hammer mechanism is as significant as the replacement of hammer and tangents in the piano's sound production process. Unlike the cimbalom, where a full hand strike is needed for sound production, the pianist has to strike the key with a single finger to produce a similar sound. The force of a finger is not comparable to that of a hand, and this is where the evolution of piano mechanisms comes in to compensate for this limitation.
Therefore, when a pianist strikes the string with a hammer, the quality of the sound is determined by the material, the shape and the size of the hammer. Does the pianist know what type of hammer is used in their piano, how it looks and what materials are used for its core and felt? These are essential questions that every pianist should know. Sadly, 99% of pianists practicing today are unfamiliar with these details, considering them irrelevant or secondary. However, it is important to remember that the hammer mechanism is the primary tool for sound extraction.
In conclusion, the hammer mechanism of the piano is a vital component that pianists should pay careful attention to. Knowing the type, material and structure of the hammer can greatly enhance a pianist's playing experience and improve overall performance. Furthermore, even the grooves created by the hammer's impact area are essential. It is necessary to take into account all the advantages of a high-quality hammer while also being aware that the pianist must adjust and perform when faced with hammers that create catastrophic grooves and "dig into" the string, rather than bouncing off of it. This often happens when the felt on the hammer has worn down to the wooden core after years of use.
If piano tuners could visit music schools, not only to perform their job but also to explain the physics behind "how the hammer works" and why it is almost impossible to produce a full sound on faulty hammers, it would be very beneficial. Tuners could demonstrate all the benefits and drawbacks of such defects and, most importantly, try to encourage young students to look at the hammer mechanism differently.
In conclusion, understanding the hammer mechanism of the piano is crucial for every pianist. By knowing the structure and materials used in the hammer, pianists can better adapt to different types of hammers, allowing them to produce a full sound. It is also essential to teach young students about the hammer mechanism, as this knowledge can improve their understanding and appreciation of their instrument. Teaching students critical knowledge about the hammer culture can stimulate an interest that will lead to a comprehensive understanding of the subject, and where the hammer becomes an integral part of their instrument practice. Before receiving such revelations from the tuner, many students could spend hours on end not understanding why they were unable to produce the desired sound, and unfortunately, their teachers may not know where to start troubleshooting. By revealing the veil of ignorance, students will be able to re-adjust their playing techniques. As a result, they will produce "different" music, in the best sense of the word.
The piano is a technical invention that has endured over centuries. Humanity can be proud that, having started with a hunting bow, where the stretched string served as a prototype for many musical instruments, eventually, it obtained a full-fledged grand piano sound. The perfect moment of truth arrived, when a piece of wood surrounded by sheep's wool became THAT magical wand, capable of making us (humans) love and hate, cry and laugh, ponder, and so on. The percussion device, essentially a drum, can create incredible sustained, legato lines of sound! And, all of this sound legato is directly linked to the hammer! Let there be piano sound everywhere. Let there be MANY of them, love your pianos, and NEVER forget about the hammers inside them.
Topic: Hammer and Piano