* Re; Square Grand Questions

[Geoff Sykes]

Joe --
 
What is the adapter to the oblong tip to which you refer?
 
I'm going to print this one out. Your tips are just what I was looking for.
Especially the one about time. Fortunately I AM in good shape, and fairly
tall, so I'll have the reach. But I'm beginning to believe that that sore
back at the end of the day is something that we tuners just have to get used
to. Especially if we're doing a lot of uprights.
 
Are the jack cords that  operate the jack springs similar to the ones we see
in modern day pianos? In other words, just replace the broken ones, (or the
set if possible or warranted), like I would do normally in a modern piano?
 
By offset screwdriver do you mean one that works at a right angle? I have a
small ratchet style screwdriver for tight places and odd angles. Works just
like a socket set.
 
Thanks for the reply. This helps a lot.
 
-- Geoff Sykes
-- Assoc. Los Angeles
 
 
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Joseph Garrett
Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2006 6:19 PM
To: pianotech
Subject: * Re; Square Grand Questions





Geoff asked: "rGeetings all -- 

In my naivet? as an Associate member I still look forward to the
opportunities of working on pretty much anything that comes my way. Well, at
least once, just for the experience. So, I just followed up on a referral to
a woman who has an old Weber rosewood square grand, sn: 18831, made in 1880.
The piano has been in her family since it was purchased new, and is
apparently in reasonable condition. Well, for a square.

The last time it was serviced was about five years ago and whoever did it
has disappeared. She says that there are a couple of notes that don't play,
or don't play well, and that the low bass and high treble are way out of
tune. She also says that the previous tech, in an attempt to bring it up "to
pitch" had raised the pitch from 392 to 415 but said that it should not be
raised any further. 

Today's questions:

: Do I need a special tip for my hammer to go on the tuning pins? I have
stars, (of course), and an oblong.
: What pitch should it really be tuned to? (She doesn't care as long as it
sounds in tune.)
: If it won't hold pitch is CA an option?
: What should I watch out for? 
: Also, any tips-n-tricks that can be offered, (besides running away), will
be appreciated.

No appointment has been made yet as she going out of town. This gives me
time to research this challenge and arrive, (hopefully), prepared. She knows
the piano has problems, and that parts and repair are going to be a major
deal. She has agreed that all work, both repair and tuning will be hourly.
She's not looking for miracles. She really just wants to get it to perform
well enough to get her though Thanksgiving and Christmas."
 

-- Geoff,
There are several posts, (from me), in the archives, regarding Square
Grands.
Judging from the age of the piano and the Manufacturer, I would wager it has
standard tuning pins. (do take your oblong tip w/adapter!<G> Just in case.)
The pitch at the time of that piano's manufacturer was probably 435cps.
Weber's were noted for using very high grade wire during that period. I
wouldn't be afraid to try to tune it at 440cps. (unless I see a lot of
evidence of replaced/spliced strings, etc.) The piano will stay better in
tune if it is at least up to it's designed pitch.
If the tuning pins are loose, first check to see if the piano has Tapered
tuning pins. If it does, a LIGHT tap will solve the problem pins. However,
if it has standard type tuning pins, CA is most certainly a viable, as long
as you don't get too carried away. Less is better in most cases.<G>
Take numerous breaks. Book out the entire day on a first time Square Grand
appointment. You'll probably need it..<G>
Take the lid off before tuning, etc.. Take the music rack off first! Support
your body against the case while tuning to help support your back. Hopefully
you are in good physical condition. If not, then put off the appointment for
3-6 months and get in shape.<G> (especially abs, which help to support your
back.)
As for the notes that don't work or don't work very well: probably the jack
cords that operate the jack springs. Also, insufficient lost motion or too
much. Think spinet lost motion in this case. You'll need an off-set
screwdriver for the "back" capstan screws!
Hope that helps.. If you need more info.....Call Me.<G> (my fingers are
getting tired.)
Regards,
 
 
Joseph Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain, Tool Police
Squares R I
 



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