[CAUT] Adams 1/4 tone sharp piano

[Ron Nossaman]

> Interesting.  I would have thought much higher.  Would certainly  think 
> that pushing the elasticity of the wire to that extent, if it  survives, 
> would do permanent damage to tone/sustain, and completely  ruin a set of 
> bass strings.  But, alas, I'm a piano tech, not a  physicist (or a 
> composer).

It depends on what the break% was at 440. A half semitone will 
increase the break% by about 4% in the small wrapped strings 
that are the most at risk. If the original scale was kept 
below 55%, it will likely be fine. If not, there's probably a 
chance of damage. I'd sure like to see those who consider 
pianos to be like radios or dimmable lights, that  can be 
turned up or down to any extent on a random whim, held 
accountable for any resulting damage. Reality can be very 
inconvenient, so it remains negotiable. Even if the strings 
aren't damaged, that change on the plate load is still well 
over a ton above design load. Baldwin (accu-just) plates are 
pretty heavy, but the strings are typically a long way up the 
hitch pins. Maybe I'm getting cowardly in my old age, but I'm 
not so sure I'd care to do it.

Hey, a restringing with smaller gage plain wire and a rescaled 
bass could get the piano 50 cents high at about the original 
tension at 440, and dodge the high break% in the small wrapped 
strings. Then they'd have a piano permanently and safely 
prepped for that piece, when it came around on the wheel 
again, or the performer could pay to have it strung back like 
it was after the concert. I like that option. Only the truly 
serious would go for it, and how many truly serious prepared 
piano composers and performers are there out there?

Yea, I know - reality.

Ron N