Steinway console tuning

[Kevin E. Ramsey RPT]

Yes, I have tuned these pianos, and yes, it is stressful. I have heard from
many techs who also shudder at the prospect. I really think the main problem
is in the pressure bar area; there being too much friction involved, making
rendering very difficult. I usually pound them into submission, just like
Steinway recommends. I wouldn't mind charging more to tune one of these,
either. Just my two cents worth. Kevin.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jay Mercier <jaymercier@hotmail.com>
To: pianotech@ptg.org <pianotech@ptg.org>
Date: Tuesday, May 09, 2000 12:23 AM
Subject: Steinway console tuning


>Last week I tuned a 45" Steinway console dated from the early '60s.  It was
>the most stressful tuning I've ever encountered in years.
>
>There were many high treble pins that wouldn't stay put - they would bounce
>around like nothing I've encountered before.  I lowered the pitch just
>slightly, no matter how much I'd overshoot the pitch flat, many pins would
>just bounce right back up!
>
>Equipped with a D.C. unit, and striking the keys very hard, these pins just
>wouldn't settle.  Pins were tight, no visible problems in the soundboard or
>bridge.  The owner was getting irritated that the tuning took a bit over 2
>hours.  I didn't want to tell her what I thought of her precious
"Steinway."
>
>Have any of you tuned similar Steinway consoles with similar circumstances?
>
>Jay Mercier
>
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