[CAUT] rescale bass strings

[David Love]

John D is correct in identifying what information you will need to provide
as well as trying to identify what you don't like.  Typically, small grand
problems fall into two areas: the transition from tenor to bass and the
quality of the low bass itself.  Problems can also exist with the bass being
out of balance with the rest of the piano.  New bass strings can only solve
the problems from one end as the problems are often multifaceted.  The
transition problem is likely a result of the low tenor plain wire tensions
(being too low) as much or more than that bass strings in the high bass.
The problems can also be compounded by end of the bridge effect either or
both in the high bass as well as the low tenor (Fandrich has discussed this
on several occasions).  In the low bass the typical problem is lack of
clarity and a weak fundamental.  The problem may be addressed by reducing
the diameter of the core wire but the bass bridge design and location may
contribute as well as the soundboard treatment in that area.  

 

In short, you first need to provide the information that John outlined and
then examine what other factors might be contributing to the problems.  An
improvement in the scale may very well involve some of the low tenor plain
wire section and even then, improvements without bridge changes are usually
aiming for "less bad".  That being said, almost always these scales can be
improved and I would encourage you to pursue it if you intend to change the
bass strings.  A few pictures of the low tenor and bass bridges would be
interesting and maybe helpful to look at.  

 

David Love
davidlovepianos at comcast.net
www.davidlovepianos.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of David Ilvedson
Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2008 11:11 PM
To: caut at ptg.org; pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: rescale bass strings

 

What information does the string maker need for improving the scaling of the
bass section in a 5'3" George Steck?

 

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA 94044

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