Tuning stability

[Mark Cramer]

Hi Jeff,

I second Fred's recommendation of a partial re-stringing. I'm sure you can
string the treble very quickly, re-using the tuning pins and servicing all
bearings and terminations.

I would also suggest servicing the bridge down to the pin-size transition
(Either F#4 or G#4), as the nastiest false beats (in my experience anyways)
are usually a 1/2 octave either side of the tenor/treble break.

You will be very pleased, and what's more, will no longer be tempted to
second-guess your tuning abilities.

But how about getting the authorization to do this essential work?

>From your comments about the working situation/budgets, etc. it sounds like
your "approach shot" will be critical. May I stick my nose in?

I would simply write:

"Our 19XX Steinway is presently overdue for re-stringing.

As a result, clear stable tuning, particularlily in the treble, is no longer
possible, and conditions now exist for string-breakage during use.

This condition is common in the life of a concert piano, after as little as
six or seven year's  use, and perhaps explains why this fine instrument
isn't providing the enjoyment it once did.

The cost of full re-stringing would be $X,XXX.XX, and will require a
down-time of approximately XX days.

Alternatively, the piano could be partially re-strung.

This would address the specific problems we are now experiencing, at a
tremendous savings in cost ($XXX.XX). In addition, the piano would only be
out of service for X days.

I'm confident everyone will greatly appreciate the improvement in this fine
piano. I wonder if  the dates; XXth  -  XXth  might be best, should you wish
to go ahead."

Just my 2 cents (CDN) worth Jeff. (approximately 1.5 cents U.S.)

best regards,
Mark Cramer,
Brandon University






-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org]On Behalf Of
Fred Sturm
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2004 8:46 AM
To: College and University Technicians
Subject: Re: Tuning stability


Jeff,
	The tuning instability you describe can certainly be ascribed to a need
for restringing. Full restring isn't usually necessary. Usually the biggest
problems are in the capo section, caused by a combination of string and
capo condition. So a restring of those sections, with a good dressing and
lube of the capo and aliquots (front bars by tuning pins), will make an
enormous positive difference. At the same time, I would pull all bridge
pins from those sections (except the few that won't get past plate struts),
resurface that section of bridge (get it flat, grooves gone), renotch, and
repin using something to size the bridgepin holes (I haven't decided if
there is a difference between epoxy and medium to thick CA for the
purpose). That will take care of the false beats.
	This is a very good alternative to a complete restring, and produces quite
good results in my experience. I have also restrung down into the tenor, to
the point where the bass strings cross over. In that case, I brush powdered
teflon on the understring felt (which I can't replace in this partial job),
and don't bother with bridge work more than a few unisons below the break.
	I have had experiences very similar to what you are describing. Protek on
bearing points helps a bit, but only restringing gets the piano back to a
truly tunable state.
Regards,
Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico