1883 Bechstein upright, "standard" pitch/scale tension

[Stéphane Collin]

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Mike,

Studies made on strings from a Bechstein offered to Richard Wagner and =
dated from 1864 showed that the wire used by Bechstein in those years =
has identical properties than modern R=F6slau wire (average 2200 N/mm=B2 =
breaking strain).  Anyway, those pianos are scaled so that the tension =
of the strings stays at about 40 % of the in situ breaking strain (even =
less at the tenor/bass cross over).  By the way I am not sure at all =
that (as you often read it) a string sounds better when it gets closer =
to break point.  Yes, the partials get closer to a harmonious value, but =
at the same time, the sustain of the note decreases drastically, and for =
my taste, some inharmonicity is good for aesthetical results.  In those =
years, piano desingers did their work by ear, which is, I believe, the =
very best method.  For any Bechstein as for any Steinway, I would use =
regular modern R=F6slau, and not expect any catastrophy if tuned at 435 =
or 445 Hz.

St=E9phane Collin.



----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Piano Forte Supply=20
  To: pianotech@ptg.org=20
  Sent: Friday, November 12, 2004 7:52 AM
  Subject: 1883 Bechstein upright, "standard" pitch/scale tension


  Mike,

  when restoring these Victorian Era pianos, you may want to look into =
restringing with  Pure Sound Wire  http://www.puresound-wire.com/
  A quote from the website: " Present-day piano wire is too stiff and =
its tensile strength is higher than necessary, causing a very low =
percentage of string load and therefore lack of tone quality."

  Jurgen Goering
  www.pianofortesupply.com

    List,

    Today I'm disassembling an old Bechstein upright for refinish and =
restringing.  Serial number dates it 1883.  Interesting features:  full =
cast plate, including full coverage of tuning pin field.  Wooden =
(mahogany) action brackets, at ends only  (no intermediate brackets).    =
Relatively small for an upright, with only 85 notes.=20

    I would appreciate any insights you might have regarding what pitch =
it would have been designed for.  I've found brief mention of standards =
adopted in 1885 in Vienna (435) and London (455), however C. Bechstein =
was in Berlin.  I would like to evaluate and improve on the scale - =
obviously got to know what pitch to tune it to when I'm done.  The =
existing strings and pins appear uniformly old, but I wouldn't want to =
assume they're original. =20

    thanks for any info on pitch / tension

    Mike

    Michael Spalding
    spalding48@earthlink.net


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