mystery buzz

[Patrick Poulson]

Jason: Since the buzz is activated by other notes being played, it is not likely to be a string problem. My first guess would be either a loose case part or screw, something on the soundboard, or a soundboard crack rib separation, although this is unlikely if this is a one year old piano. Loose case parts can be a real bear to track down. Lock mechanisms, hinge pins, or just about any small screw in the case or action can cause such a buzzing. Usually I will have someone play the offending note and go around listening to all sections of the piano. Some technicians use a stethoscope as well. You can eat up a lot of time trying to find these buzzes. Usually the offending part is not visibly vibrating, and a half turn with a screwdriver tightens a screw down and it is gone. Good luck! And charge for your travel time.
Patrick C. Poulson
Registered Piano Technician
Piano Technicians Guild
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jason Kanter 
  To: Pianotech 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 8:55 AM
  Subject: mystery buzz


  Group -
  I have been asked to travel a couple of hours to fix a mystery noise. To save time I asked the owner for as complete a description as possible. Here's the response:

    I have a Baldwin grand that has had a buzzing key since I
    bought it about a year ago...
    It's the B right below middle C. Been there since new.  I'ts not a
    buzzing exactly, but an "off-color" side tone.  The other tuner has 
    worked on it 4 or 5 times, and replaced the string, with no help. Of
    interest is the fact that I can also hear it on adjacent keys (but to
    a MUCH lesser extent, almost inaudible).  I can't find anything loose 
    that might be vibrating.  It's such a commonly used key that it's
    quite annoying. I notice it even when playing chords.

  What do you folks suspect, given this description? What else should I ask to get a better premonition?



  Thanks in advance

  Jason

  -- 
  =cell 425 830 1561= 
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