[pianotech] (no subject)

[David Ilvedson]

I've, certainly, heard an huge change in tone when bringing a piano up to pitch.   Isn't that enough of a reason to do it?

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "Patrick Mackey" <patrickmackeyrpt at yahoo.com>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Received: 5/9/2009 7:39:23 AM
Subject: [pianotech] (no subject)


>Chuck and Julia and List, 
>This brings up an issue I have been wondering about.  Is there any reason to think 
>that leaving a piano a half-step flat is actually harmful?  It seems that any time I run 
>across a piano that's been left flat, it is likely to have separated bass bridge/apron, 
>ribs loose, long bridge cap unglued, etc.  I  am thinking mostly of uprights if that 
>makes any difference.  
>Also, I would like to be included in your photo list.  
>Also this is my first posting, I've been enjoying the list form the sidelines for a while 
>and so want to express my appreciation to everyone who contributes.
>Patrick Mackey
>New Orleans

>Greetings,

>        Are people with "perfect pitch" really bothered by  music played
>on an old upright that is tuned say,  60 cents or a half step flat because it
>cant be brought up to pitch?


>Thank you,
>Julia
>PA

>Julia - In my experience, a lot of the times when someone calls and tells me that 
>there piano can't be tuned up to pitch, it turns out that it's at the advise of a tuner 
>who either doesn't want to risk breaking strings (which of course can be repaired or 
>replaced), or who truly believes it will harm the piano, or is just too lazy to put in the 
>extra time and effort. The only circumstance that would cause me to recommend 
>against a pitch raise would be a crack (even just a hairline one) in the plate. I did 
>have a plate break once under those circumstances, and never want to see it 
>happen again.
>.
>Aside from string breakage, or pin slippage, there usually is no reason a piano may 
>not be brought back to pitch. If I were to advise a customer on the procedure, I 
>would warn them about the potential for additional cost for string replacement, and 
>also give them my standard warning about the possibility of breaking the plate, 
>which I compare to the chances of an airliner going down. In other words, it could 
>happen, but it's sure not very likely.

> I also explain that until the piano stabilizes, it will need to be tuned often, as in at 
>least twice a year, and not let go again for another decade. Otherwise they will be 
>back in the same boat all over again.

>If a customer insists on tuning the piano flat, I will do it once, but then defer to 
>another tuner. Chuck


>