Hey Jim...what do those three pedals do on a piano?
A piano typically has three pedals located at the base of the instrument. The pedals are:
The damper pedal or sustain pedal - this is the rightmost pedal and is the most frequently used. When you press it, it raises all the dampers off the strings, allowing them to vibrate freely and sustain the sound even after you release the keys. It creates a richer, more resonant sound that is ideal for sustaining long notes or creating a smooth legato.
The soft pedal or una corda pedal - this is the leftmost pedal and is sometimes called the "shift" pedal. When you press it, the piano action shifts slightly to the right, causing the hammers to hit fewer strings per note. This creates a softer, more muted sound that is useful for creating a delicate or intimate atmosphere.
The sostenuto pedal - this is the middle pedal and is less commonly used. When you press it, it sustains only the notes that were being played when the pedal was pressed, allowing the pianist to sustain a particular melody or chord while other notes can be played without being sustained. This is particularly useful for creating complex harmonies and layering of sounds. The sostenuto pedal is mainly found on grand pianos and some high-end upright pianos.
For all your piano needs...tuning, repairs, cleaning, pitch raise...call me, text me, send me a letter...let me know and I'll get back to you on how to make your piano sing!
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