Pitch Raising Techniques

[David Ilvedson]

I think that's probably why I don't overpull.   I don't believe it.

David I.



----- Original message ---------------------------------------->
From: Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
To: Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
Received: Wed, 1 Dec 2004 15:39:39 -0500
Subject: Re: Pitch Raising Techniques

>Ed Foote wrote:
>"Usually I don't see more than 15% of the strings as  freebies, though."

>Well Ed, I guess you and me are just using the wrong tools. If we used RCT,
>we could "tune 99.99% of the time in one pass to A440" - apparently even
>from a half-step flat.

>How 'bout them cow pies?

>Terry Farrell



>> Duaine wrote:

>> That even sounds more archaic O:-)

>> I just let Cybertuner do the "thinking" (overpull calculation) and can
>tune 99.99% of the time in one pass to > A440 :-)


>> , Richard writes:
>>
>> << btw... my recent experiences in Japan has led me to conclude that the
>>
>> one hour wonder pitch raise and "fine tuning" is a suspect concept at
>>
>> best. :) >>
>>
>> Hmm,  I dunno.  There is no right or wrong way to fine tune a piano, at
>> pitch, that is say 15 cents flat in places.  There are, however, many of
>us that
>> have found ways that work, for us.  Here's mine.
>>    If the piano is more than 4 cents off standard, and I have to meet
>> broadcast quality,(which is mainly the unisons and octaves),  I invest the
>first 15
>> minutes,(12 if I really have to meet a deadline), in getting the piano
>within 4
>> cents of 440.  This is most easily done by using the standard SAT
>calculator.
>>  HOwever, I take my readings from 7 notes or so, ABOVE where I am tuning.
>>   The reason for this is that seldom do I find a piano that is the same
>> amount flat across the whole keyboard, and since the drop is due to
>continually
>> adding tension above, I want to stop overpulling so much before I get to
>the
>> section that is not so flat.
>>    There is a simple hammer technique that leaves string/pins very stable.
>It
>> is just not very accurate in placing the pitch. I pull the pin well sharp,
>> enough so that I will be certainly moving the pin as I then drop it flat.
>I go
>> until the pitch is just a little flat, relax the hammer, and give a very
>slight
>> sharpening flex to the pin. These amounts depend on how tight the block
>is,
>> and how much friction there is in the upper bearing points.
>> This technique is a little sloppy on pitch placement, but leaves a string
>> that will not move under any blow that I hit it with.
>>     On the second pass, if by chance a string is exactly where it should
>be,
>> I simply wiggle the pin with the hammer to assure myself that it isn't
>poised
>> on the edge of balance, and if the note doesn't change, that is a freebie.
>>     I have had the SAT III leave a piano within 2 cents of 440 after a  15
>> minute, 20 cent pitch raise doing this, and after that, it is not
>difficult to
>> fine tune it in an hour.  There are exceptions, of course, but I don't see
>many
>> problems getting the major work done in a flash, then taking whatever time
>I
>> like to fine tune.  Usually I don't see more than 15% of the strings as
>> freebies, though.
>> Regards,
>>
>> Ed Foote RPT


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