[CAUT] breaking strings, Kawai KG-2A (1997)

[Jim Busby]

Hi,

 

I haven't measured it but the angle looks "normal" (within range), but I
will check it along with the other things you mentioned. Good list.

 

We keep the hammers shaped and voiced regularly so I don't believe it is
that. Since it is mostly the Kawais that break more I'm suspicious of
"scaling anomalies" and such, but since having several "CAUT witnesses"
of the string fatigue diagnosis my bet is it's probably that. 

 

Thanks again,

Jim Busby BYU

 

________________________________

From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of
Geoffrey Pollard
Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 4:23 AM
To: College and University Technicians
Subject: Re: [CAUT] breaking strings, Kawai KG-2A (1997)

 

Hello Jim,

I would try to get a good handle on front duplex to capo string angles
as part of information gathering during rescaling. It is not unknown for
this angle to be excessive in Kawai piano trebles at times. If the
angles are OK (11 - 20 degrees - perhaps using Ron N's device shown in
his 9/11/06 post on this list) - then wire fatigue, hard hammers, flat
hammers, scaling anomalies, capo profile, string cushion friction (in no
particular order) are some likely culprits in my view.

Regards,
Geoffrey Pollard


-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org on behalf of Jim Busby
Sent: Tue 11/21/2006 12:20 PM
To: College and University Technicians
Subject: [CAUT] breaking strings, Kawai KG-2A (1997)

List,



We have four KG-2As that now break strings regularly (weekly) in octaves
5-7. The bass is also becoming "thumpy". Granted, they are very heavily
used (Up to 17 hours a day), but we try to keep them voiced and
regulated so I don't believe maintenance is the issue; I think the
strings are simply fatigued. (I can break strings myself with 20 - 30
good solid blows.) I tried decreasing the blow to give a bit less power
hoping that it would diminish the breakage, and that helps somewhat, but
I don't like to sabotage piano performance just so I can work less...
BTW, the strings break mainly at the v-bar.



I will be restringing these pianos next month (I've HAD IT with them...)
so does anyone have any advice concerning the scaling, etc.? I will be
dressing the V-bar and doing all the usual prepping. This is a high
tension scale and I'd love to redesign it but don't want to put that
kind of time and money into these...



Any helps out there???



Thanks.



Jim Busby BYU








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