[CAUT] Bechstein bass strings

[David Ilvedson]

I've got a 1956 Bechstein E that isn't having those problems.   I would try to sell the owner on a complete set of bass strings to have it over and done with.   Might be a good time to see if the scaling is out of whack...not likely...



David Ilvedson, RPT

Pacifica, CA 94044









Original message

From: "Jeff Tanner" 

To: "College and University Technicians" 

Received: 2/22/2007 1:10:56 PM

Subject: [CAUT] Bechstein bass strings



Along the same lines as Wim's broken bass string, I have a C Bechstein model E concert grand that is out to get me.  Pierce says made in 1975.  The owner has credible information from Bechstein it was "gebaut June 11, 1978" (or something like that).  He bought it in about 1983 in Germany (his home) and brought it here to the US when he retired.  It has a D/C dehumidifier only system installed.  Was installed before they moved here. 





Last tuning was in June.  C4 broke at where the string leaves the coil.  Previous experience with a single bass splice on a different Bechstein resulted in a ripped BLUE understring cloth and a broken splice, so I took myself out of the Bechstein bass string splicing business.  I sent the old string for duplication and replaced it.





Most recent tuning, this week.  D6 broke, same place.  Someone before me had also replaced a single bass.  I've been tuning this piano since they moved to town 4 or 5 years ago and these are the first broken strings with me.





I gently drop the tension ever so slightly to hear the "ping", and begin to raise it, and BLAM!  Was raising pitch maybe 4 cents?  It is getting unnerving to tune this piano.  The bass strings just have that "feel" like they could go at any time.





Is this a Bechstein scale problem?  Bad wire?  Maybe its gone through a lot of pitch fluctuation in the past and just weakened the wire there?  (The other Bechstein I service fluctuates pitch a LOT, but is much older)





Customer wants to know what's going on.  This just doesn't happen with other pianos of that age and older, so I'm not sure I can get away with "the strings are getting old".





Appreciate  your thoughts,

Jeff







Jeff Tanner, RPT

University of South Carolina
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