Broken Bass string

[Wimblees@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-08-29 15:26:43 EDT, you write:

<< I don't believe the problem is with the piano, or the replacement strings,
 the hammers, or the regulation.  I believe the problem can be isolated to
 the pianist, whom I have never seen play.  What possible piano technique
 can this pianist be using to enable them to break strings so frequently?
 If I go to a worship service there to observe the pianist, what should I
 look for?
 
 Thanks for any replies!
 
 David Vanderhoofven >>


David:

The problem is not the piano, but the piano player. There are several things
you can do, some of them are not associated with the piano.

1. reduce the hammer blow to 1 1/2" 
2. increase let off to 1/2"
3. reduce key dip to 1/2"

On all of these adjustments, just make sure the piano will play. It will take
a hard blow, but then this is what the piano player is doing allready. It will
make the piano feel very funny. 

The next thing to do is present the bill in person to the pastor, or to the
person(s) paying the bill, and tell him/her/them, that the problems with the
piano are not your fault, nor the fault of the piano, but with the player. Ask
them to tell to piano player not to play so hard. The way I put it. "I know
the piano player is feeling the spirit, but the spirit is breaking the piano".

If these thing don't work, then don't worry about. Just keep making the
repairs, and keep tuning the piano. Above all, do not be chinsy with the bill.
Charge them for the damage you have repaired. Perhaps one of these days
they'll see the light. 

Willem Blees RPT
St. Louis