[pianotech] Pianos that have frequent broken strings

[Dean May]

Below is a post from Don Mannino last fall.

 

Dean

Dean May             cell 812.239.3359 

PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272 

Terre Haute IN  47802

 

  _____  

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Mike Erickson
Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2009 4:28 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] Pianos that have frequent broken strings

 


Only a few particular pianos come to mind (over the last 28 years).   

The latest is a 1960   about 6'3" Knabe grand on a high school stage (plus
it's twin at another high school)

 

The strings rarely bust during a tuning, but sometime inbetween tunings.

Since January 2006, 3 wound strings have broken, and 12 treble strings, all
terminate and break under the de cappo bar,  and most in the 2 highest
octaves.

 

<snip>

Mike, Tucson Arizona

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Don Mannino
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 8:29 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: Pianist breaking many strings

 

Bruce,

 

I think this may be in the archive somewhere, but here is a run down on what


might help.  It does involve the pianist having to pay for more service . .

 

1. Replace all weakened wire at once.  Get it all fresh and new, and while 

you're at it, smooth the capo bar - but don't make it flat.

2. Shape the hammers

3. Regulate the action

 

This should stop it for a while.  Hammer wear increases the stress on the 

wire, so keeping the hammers filed is the best way to minimize breakage. 

What this means is scheduling full service, once a year at least.

 

I do not like to reduce letoff, as it affects the tone too much during soft 

playing.  I have been playing with a new idea, though, that a few have 

reported helps.  That is to raise the balance rail glide in that area - not 

the treble most one, but the next one down.  Turn it all the way up, so that


it won't knock.  This way the touch and tone are correct during all but the 

loudest playing, but in very aggressive playing the balance rail will 

bounce, absorbing some of the energy and reducing the stress on the strings 

a little.

 

Do replace all the weak wire and shape the hammers, though.

 

Good luck.

 

Don Mannino

 

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