[pianotech] petrof grand breaking strings

[Mike Spalding]

Sometimes we float fuzzy questions out there, looking for any kind of 
information on a general topic.  Sometimes, as in this case, the 
questions are carefully worded so as to limit the scope of the 
discussion to those areas where need info, and try to avoid rehash and 
argument over those areas where we feel we're on solid ground.  Such was 
the case here.  The N-CC is thoroughly experienced in voicing and 
regulation, and was mainly interested in service history of this 
particular make of piano.  Jane Jones posted the following on the 
"other" pianotech, which was exactly what my colleague was looking for:

"Hi Michael,
I just happened to be talking to Petrof's National Service Manager when 
this email popped up.
He said that, indeed, he had experienced this problem on some older 
Petrofs and rounding the bar is the answer.
However, he hasn't noticed the issue on a piano this new.  If you need 
more info contact Paul Rea at 404-680-6872.
Thanks,
Jane"



On 9/8/2011 3:13 PM, J Patrick Draine wrote:
> So many "unknowns" that us folks in cyberland can speculate about this 
> piano and the general scenario. Is this "non-computerized colleague" 
> well experienced in voicing European hammers (he might have been an 
> ace at voicing NY Steinways but have little experience with dense 
> hammer felt)? Etc, etc (i.e. the "unknown" variations are endless). 
> Who knows whether the player is stressing the instrument needlessly or 
> is a very moderate player?
> Your colleague may be well served by asking you to "do a consultation" 
> (including observing the pianist at play), probably after that chat 
> with the dealer and the Petrov tech rep (preferably with them amenable 
> to paying for your time and expertise).
> Happy hunting,
> Patrick Draine
>
> On Wed, Sep 7, 2011 at 5:11 PM, Mike Spalding 
> <mike.spalding1 at frontier.com <mailto:mike.spalding1 at frontier.com>> wrote:
>
>     A non-computerized colleague has asked me to post this question:
>      A 3-year old Petrof grand, 5' 8", is experiencing string breakage
>     in the capo section, which in this piano extends from the top of
>     the agraffed tenor all the way to note 88.  It is played several
>     hours per day by a gifted 12-year-old boy.  He is normal size for
>     his age.  The tech has filed hammers and increased let-off, but it
>     continues to break strings.  He has considered rounding off the
>     v-bar, which he has observed (with a mirror) to be quite narrow
>     and sharp.  Question: is this model particularly prone to breaking
>     strings?  How would you attack this problem?
>
>     thanks
>
>