General Guidelines for Prepared Piano
In Paine Hall, only the piano labeled "X" is to be used for prepared piano.
- Touching the Strings
- If you are going to be touching the strings with your hands (harmonics, plucking, rubbing) you must wash your hands first. In addition we ask that you apply a reasonable amount (not too much) of talc powder to your hands to help prevent the transfer of oil from your skin to the string.
- Screws and Bolts Inserted into the Strings
- Only use new screws and bolts, or those in like new condition, in the piano. Screws and bolts showing any sign of rust or corrosion should never be inserted between the strings. Depress the damper pedal when inserting anything between the strings. Go slowly, taking great care not to let the screw come in contact with the soundboard.
- Marking Inside the Piano
- Do not mark inside the piano (particularly on the damper heads) with chalk, or any other writing apparatus. If you need to mark strings please affix paper to the bridge pins (rear of string), the agraffe (near the tuning pins), or the damper with a mild sticking agent like a post-it note. If you use tape on the dampers do not rub it smooth. Doing so will push the damper into the string, compressing the felt and hindering its ability to damp.
- Blu-Tack
- Blu-Tack is the only acceptable substance for direct application to the strings. All other substances must be approved by Piano Technical Services.
- Clean up
- You are expected to clean up after yourself and leave the piano in the same condition you found it. Do not leave anything in the piano. Do not, however, risk damaging the piano for the sake of clean up. If you need assistance removing something please contact Piano Technical Services.
Any costs associated with damage resulting from your piano preparations will be the responsibility of the individual or group.