Hey, Joe
You are a hoot! I'll do that next time. Maybe get a waiver.
Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!
Laura
On Nov 22, 2012, at 12:08 PM, "Joseph Garrett" <joegarrett at earthlink.net> wrote:
> Laura asked:
> "You were right, it's a 1914 reproducer (but the reproducer has been
> replaced with a Piano Disc system.) The owner says the finish is olive
> wood(?) This is the same owner that has the bar-less Broadwood grand. I'm
> used to tuning pianos of this vintage at A435. I didn't think the frames
> were up to the resultant tension when tuned around A440. The owner would
> like them tuned to A440 for the Piano Disc system background music will be
> in tune. He's installed the PD system on the Broadwood grand I mentioned
> and 2 Broadwood cottage uprights (yes, David, with overdampers) and I've
> resisted tuning all these instruments at anything more than A435.
>
> Am I wrong? Is there no danger?"
>
> Laura,
> No more than any other piano of that vintage. I tune all pianos at 440cps,
> unless there is something that tells me not to. Those things are: evidence
> of many broken strings; separated pinblock; backposts dislodged; cracked
> plate; case malformation, ("cheek lift"); split pinblock areas.....and I'm
> sure you could come up with a few more tell tales.<G> I would quote Del
> Fandrich in this regard: "Most plates and piano structures are over
> engineered."
> Per the Barless Broadwood, I think the pitch, at the time those were made,
> was 443cps or some other rediculous number. It was noted in the book "By
> Appointment". (which I read several years ago and have forgotten most of
> the details now.<G>). In other words , Go For It! (just like ya did when
> you thanked me for a "vote".<G>
> Best,
> Joe
>
>
> Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
> Captain of the Tool Police
> Squares R I
>
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