[CAUT] Steinway Upright tuning

[Don Mannino]

Joe,

I'll offer a different approach from some of the others.  I used to tune
a few of these, and once I sort of got a handle on the tuning technique,
they didn't bother me much after that.

The root problems behind the difficulty are high string friction and
high string coils (re: long tuning pins), creating a flexible pin that
is constantly sprung down.  In addition, the amount of pin set into the
block may not be as much as we are used to, changing the feel of the pin
when turning it.  Keep in mind that in this kind of configuration the
tuning pin itself is a spring, and that the 'spring' is loaded downward
all the time by string tension.

My technique was to tune it up above pitch normally, then settle the pin
into a stable spot in the block like usual, but with the pitch still
somewhat sharp.  How much sharp you have to find by experiment - not
necessarily a lot, but it depends on the string friction in that
particular piano.

Then with the tuning lever close to 12:00 I would only spring the pin
downwards a little - no turning motion at all for this fine tuning.
Don't bend the pin with steady pressure, but nudge the top of the tuning
lever straight towards you to bounce the pin without turning it.  If you
can't get the pitch down enough by springing only, go back and use your
turning motion to settle the pin closer to final pitch, then 'spring'
down for fine tuning.  If springing sends the pitch too flat, then
re-settle the pin slightly more sharp before springing.

I found these pianos to be exceptionally stable, and once I got
comfortable with this tuning method, I had no complaints with them.

I have been told that recent revisions in these models have made them
much less springy with less friction as well.  I haven't tuned any new
ones, though.

Don Mannino

> -----Original Message-----
> From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On 
> Behalf Of Joe Wiencek
> Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 8:50 PM
> To: caut at ptg.org
> Subject: [CAUT] Steinway Upright tuning
> 
> List,
> I'm a recent RPT and caut.   Today I was forced to take a break while 
> tuning a Steinway Model 45 piano due to the squirminess of 
> the pitch.  
> Can anyone suggest a plan of attack on these particular (or 
> any Steinway upright) that makes for an efficient tuning session?
> Thanks,
> Joe
> 
> Joe Wiencek
> jwpiano at earthlink.net
> 
> tel: 551 358 4006
>