Chris, >The strings don't look >corroded just dirty around the coil, and there are very minor cracks in the >bass bridge. I couldn't deal with it right then, so I told them I would >consult some "experts" > > So, do I do it in a couple of passes, just go for it in one pass, or run >the other way as fast as I can? > >Chris Olson >associate member, PTG I agree with the advice you've already been given by others. I would also "strongly" suggest that you try and get them to repair/replace the bass bridge before the cracks get any worse. If they are minor cracks now, repair might be the best option in this particular case. I personally will not do a large pitch raise on a piano with obvious bridge problems. Adding that much more tension will only make the problem worse. If you do go ahead and accept the job, go for A-440 the first time, very quickly. One comment here though, is to check a few strings in different areas of the piano. Try bringing them up to pitch first and see how the pin tightness and string stretch feels. There is a point where a string has reached its elastic limit and will have a very tight feel right before it breaks. Also, is there any evidence of any strings being replaced in the past? Very clearly warn the customer that there is probably a "chance" that some strings might break. If any do in the beginning stages of the tuning, back off and explain the charges and problems involved if a lot of strings break. Is it worth it to them? Then do just as Jim Coleman suggested if the pins and strings felt OK the first time over. Someone trying to bring the piano up little by little is probably trying to avoid the string breakage (potential) problem. But if there's going to be a problem, it will happen whether you bring the piano up gradually or on the first pass. Another thing to definitely do is check all the plate screws you can get to before you start the actual tuning. Be sure they're snug. You don't want to have a plate crack because you forgot to check the screws/bolts! With your "dirty around the coil" comment, there is also a "chance" that the block has been treated for loose pins. So evaluate, use your common sense, explain as clearly as possible the costs and if everything seems good, go for it. I've done some of these monster pitch raises before and sometimes you get lucky (no problems) and sometimes you don't. But it's good experience replacing strings (or tying knots) anyway. :-) Avery _____________________________________ Avery Todd, RPT Moores School of Music University of Houston Houston, TX 77204-4893 713-743-3226 atodd@uh.edu _____________________________________
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