Upright Piano Tension

[Eliot Lee]

Dear List,

        I just talked with a local tuner who said that Uprights and all
pianos built before 1927 were designed to tuned at A-435, afterthat A-440
was standardized.

        He said that the tension to keep a string at A-440 for an old
upright was about 10 extra lbs. per string.  So, he compromises and keeps
them at A-438.
Particularly the old uprights with pinblocks that are not reinforced with
iron on top.

        What do the pundits say?

        I always thought that pianos were designed to be over 30% higher
than concert pitch, so it shouldn't matter.

Thanks.

Eliot

G. Eliot Lee
Phoenix, AZ
elee@amug.org
(602) 957-1711
"You are never alone or helpless, the force that guides the stars guides
you too."  - P.R. Sarkar