Broadwood Grand

[Robert Goodale]

Nancy McMillan wrote:

> Hi folks,
> Have a customer with an 1886 Broadwood grand piano.
> It is straight strung with a cast iron plate.  Where the tuning pins go thru
> the plate the plate is threaded to accept the threads on the pins.
> My question is what tension level were these pianos originally tuned to?  A4
> = ? hertz.
> The customer wants to go ahead with new tuning pins.  Do away with the
> threads in the plate and make it conventially pinned.  If this is done can
> this plate take the tension of tuning the piano to A440?
> Thanks.
> Doug Mahard

More than likely this piano was designed for A-435.  I would NOT advise pulling
it to A-440.  The difference could mean several tons of tension and these early
instruments we not designed for this.  This is particularly true with the age of
the glue in the rim.  These are rare vintage instruments that should be
preserved as they were.  I wouldn't start modifying threads either.  If your
customer wants a piano tuned at A-440 direct him to the nearest dealer for a
modern instrument.  Save this one for someone who respects early pianos.

Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, NV