Tuning stability

[Jeff Stickney]

Ric, Fred, Mark and all,
	I'm convinced that partial restringing would benefit the piano
and my frustration level.  The question I have at this point is this:
If I go ahead with the work next week (spring break), would the new
strings be stable enough to be used the next week?  I have restrung
pianos before, and would know to seat and lift strings to establish the
bends (after the piano is at pitch - or maybe a little above), but I
haven't done a partial job with the mix of old and new strings.  Would
it be best to wait until the end of the semester when I would not be
under the gun as much to get it done and back in action?  If you think
it would be doable, any other ideas to hasten the stability?  Leave the
piano at 442 for a few days?  Would it be best to do one section at a
time, rather than unstring the whole mid-range to the top at once?  If I
use CA on the bridge pins, it would probably work better to do them all
at once so it can set up - or can you string fairly soon after applying
the CA?  Sorry to be so full of questions, but if I'm going to stick my
neck out a bit, I'd like to do it with the benefit of your experience
behind me.  I appreciate your input.  Thanks,

Jeff Stickney, RPT
University of Montana
jpstickney@montanadsl.net


> -----Original Message-----
> From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org] On 
> Behalf Of Mark Cramer
> Sent: Friday, March 26, 2004 2:20 PM
> To: College and University Technicians
> Subject: RE: Tuning stability
> 
> 
> 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
> 
> 
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