Square Grand Anxiety

[Dave Doremus]

>  Just accepted a call to tune an (1899?) Steinway square grand.  I've never
>  tuned one before, so should I be worried?


Dont worry, leave plenty of time so you dont have to rush to your 
next appt, and expect a sore back. I like to pad the lid and lean it 
back against the wall, or take it off completely if the owner will 
help. Be carful tracing the correct string to the correct pin, might 
help to remove the damper stop rail and the music desk, but you 
should be able to reach the pins, no problem. Mark the open ones with 
chalk if you use a temperament strip, I find it easier just to use 
mutes. Expect to go through it twice at least, dont sweat 440 if its 
way off unless the owner insists and is prepared to cover the cost of 
broken strings, dont try to fix anything in the action unless youre 
very carefull and confident, getting it in and out the first time can 
be scary. Charge double. Consider a victorian, or earlier, 
temperament if it becomes a regular patient. Good luck.