On a Scale of One

[Newton Hunt]

> 
> I also have a CF Stein 5'2" here which says it has an "Equitension Scale".
> Scanning down that printout I see tensions from 170-200 in tenor section,
> and 140-182 in upper sections.  _Average_ tensions for tenor section is
> 172, and treble is 174, so that is about the same.  Bass section average is
> 208  and top treble is 160 - definitely not "equi".  Maybe some things are
> more equal than others?? ;-}
> 

Hi Conrad,

I did one of those little monsters!  I was fortunate enough to have
met C. F. Stein many years ago.  Very nice and knowledgeable man.

Anyway, I did equalize the scale, at a lower tension, redesigned
the bass section and put two unisons of would strings in the middle
section after I found that the space between pins was so small the
tuning hammer would not fit on them (I have a reduced tip but many
do not) and I was also able to improve the cross over.  The piano
turned out quite nice indeed.

About two weeks after the piano was delivered I got a call from the
customer.  My immediate thought was, "Oh no, a problem and this
customer lives 40 miles away.".  No such luck because he wanted to
compliment me on the sound of the piano.  Needless to say, I was
pleased.

		Newton