A-440 and Ethics.

[David Ilvedson]

A slight bump down on the tension and then up seems to help with string breakage...possibly breaks the corrosion around the tuning pin?

David I.

PS   "inform the customer what you propose to do and why, and let them make the decision 
and take the responsibility for it."    engrave them on your tool kit.





----- Original message ---------------------------------------->
From: Ron Nossaman <rnossaman@cox.net>
To: Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
Received: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 11:19:54 -0600
Subject: Re: A-440 and Ethics.


>>              I do not like to raise the A4 pitch on any piano more than 
>> say 1/4 a tone or so, if it's been neglectd tunings. This is because I 
>> don't want to run the risk of cracking anyone's harp plate, let alone 
>> breaking strings. Especially on the little spinets, whose plates are 5/8" 
>> or less thick.

>Every piano that is strung or restrung goes from zero tension to full 
>tension at pitch with a couple of chipping passes. If it did it once 
>without breaking the plate, I see no reason that it won't do it again. 
>Strings aren't any less likely to break if they are pulled up in increments 
>over years than if they are pulled up in similar increments on the same 
>day. They don't heal up and get stronger by waiting and sneaking up on them 
>later. It just means that they have more money invested in it if/when the 
>strings do start breaking as it gets closer to pitch. Better to get it over 
>with in one appointment and know where you stand, in my opinion. If string 
>breakage is a concern, you just make multiple passes to minimize overpull 
>as you get it up to pitch, or you leave it below pitch permanently and 
>educate the customer as to what they have. Either way, you need to inform 
>the customer what you propose to do and why, and let them make the decision 
>and take the responsibility for it.

>Ron N

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