Modartt user forum - Scaling Down to Smaller Instruments

Re: Scaling Down to Smaller Instruments

2012-10-11T23:13:39Z

Many thanks joe,
It sounds as if you are right. Reducing the strike point ratio doesn't really sound right (far too mellow).
It's hard to say whether or not just reducing string length emulates a smaller model.
The only Bluthner I ever played was a model 6 and I can honestly say that its the
best piano I ever got my fingers on. Trying to re-create the experience from memory isn't easy but all the characteristics seem to be there.

Re: Scaling Down to Smaller Instruments

2012-10-10T18:16:41Z

John Krajewski wrote:

I wonder if anyone can help me.
Assuming the same action parts are used on both models, should the strike point be reduced by the same ratio as the string length? Anything else I should be adjusting?

Hello John,

I would strive to maintain the strike points at the same places / ratios they are with the larger piano. This is what is done in most real pianos. If you were to play a 9' (270cm) grand, you would notice the hammers are noticeably farther away from the keyboard than what you are used to seeing on a baby grand -- that is because the manufacturer is maintaining a similar strike point ratio to the length of the longest strings.

On the other hand ...
Feel free to move the strike point slider, as you can always return it to its default setting. As you move the slider towards higher ratios, this means the hammer is striking closer to the front of the piano, nearer to where the front of the string is fastened. You will hear a series of more pronounced harmonics, at which at least some of which do not sound very pianolike. If you were to reduce the slider position ratio (say, to about 4:1), you will hear correspondingly fewer harmonics.

If you do decide to experiment with the strike point slider, please feel free to report what you have found!

Cheers,

Joe

Re: Scaling Down to Smaller Instruments

2012-10-10T01:05:36Z

The adjust slider of "string lenght" in early verions was called "piano lenght".

Not sure if just the name changed or if some moddeling related for this slider adjuster was changed too.

Scaling Down to Smaller Instruments

2012-10-08T18:13:28Z

I wonder if anyone can help me.

I want to scale down the Bluthner Model 1 to emulate a Bluthner Model 6 so i've reduced the string length from 2.8m to 1.9m. I want to do this so I can practice on a smaller instrument for chamber performance. It sounds fine but I'm sure there's more to scaling down an instrument than just reducing string length.

Assuming the same action parts are used on both models, should the strike point be reduced by the same ratio as the string length? Anything else I should be adjusting?