Tuning Invention Idea

[Les Smith]

On Sat, 11 Oct 1997, Delwin D Fandrich wrote:

> 
> 
> Les Smith wrote:
> 
> > All this talk about inventing a device to tune pianos when interfaced
> > with a computer misses the obvious answer. George Steck spent the last
> > years of his life trying to invent a piano that would stand in tune in-
> > definitely. Unfortunately, he died before coming upon the solution to
> > the problem that I have. Simply tune the piano once and then WELD the
> > pins to the plate! Those babies will surely never slip again. Of course,
> > that means that we're all going to have to add a welding torch to our
> > tool kits, but at least it will be tax deductible. As far as I know this
> > idea has not YET been patented, but as I reported here a couple of years
> > ago, I HAVE seen piano where this was actually done!
> >
> > Les Smith
> > lessmith@buffnet.net
> 
> Les,
> 
> Actually, this has been tried. Many years ago, shortly after my brother had
> learned to tune pianos, he tuned one for a farmer in North Dakota. (We spent a
> few of our growing up years there.) Darrell explained that since the piano
> hadn't been tuned for years, and since the tuning pins were very loose and
> actually on the verge of slipping, the piano would have to be tuned again in a
> short time and would also need some additional work. Well, the next time he was
> in the area he called and, sure enough, the piano needed some work--though not
> what he expected. The man explained that the piano did not need tuning, but did
> need to have some strings replaced. When he got to the piano he found that the
> man had welded each tuning pin to the plate. Needless to say, there were some
> problems...
> 
> Del
> 

Well, Dell, with the one I saw, that makes at least TWO! (Mine was in
NY) And to think that sometimes I'm accused of making this stuff up! :)

All the best,

Les