While tuning adjusts the pitch of the strings, voicing deals with the quality of the tone. It involves manipulating the hammer felt—density, shape, and surface—to change the piano's timbre.
Over time, hammers compact and become hard, resulting in a harsh, bright metalic sound. Voicing can restore a warm, singing tone, or brighten a dull sounding piano, depending on your preference and the piano's capability.
Sound is too harsh, bright, or metallic
Sound is too dull, muffled, or lacks projection
Uneven tone quality from note to note
Difficulty playing softly (dynamic control)
Drastic change in tone color when playing loudly
Hammer reshaping (filing)
Steam voicing
Needling to relax hammer felt
Chemical hardeners (if needed)
Hammer fitting to strings
String seating
Voicing is an art. I start by listening to your piano and discussing your tonal preferences. Do you play jazz? Classical? Do you have a bright room?
I then carefully adjust the hammers, testing constantly, to achieve a balanced, beautiful tone that inspires you to play.