[pianotech] (no subject)

[Patrick Mackey]

Chuck and Julia and List, 
This brings up an issue I have been wondering about.  Is there any reason to think that leaving a piano a half-step flat is actually harmful?  It seems that any time I run across a piano that's been left flat, it is likely to have separated bass bridge/apron, ribs loose, long bridge cap unglued, etc.  I  am thinking mostly of uprights if that makes any difference.  
Also, I would like to be included in your photo list.  
Also this is my first posting, I've been enjoying the list form the sidelines for a while and so want to express my appreciation to everyone who contributes.
Patrick Mackey
New Orleans

Greetings,

        Are people with "perfect pitch" really bothered by  music played
on an old upright that is tuned say,  60 cents or a half step flat because it
cant be brought up to pitch?


Thank you,
Julia
PA

Julia - In my experience, a lot of the times when someone calls and tells me that there piano can't be tuned up to pitch, it turns out that it's at the advise of a tuner who either doesn't want to risk breaking strings (which of course can be repaired or replaced), or who truly believes it will harm the piano, or is just too lazy to put in the extra time and effort. The only circumstance that would cause me to recommend against a pitch raise would be a crack (even just a hairline one) in the plate. I did have a plate break once under those circumstances, and never want to see it happen again.
.
Aside from string breakage, or pin slippage, there usually is no reason a piano may not be brought back to pitch. If I were to advise a customer on the procedure, I would warn them about the potential for additional cost for string replacement, and also give them my standard warning about the possibility of breaking the plate, which I compare to the chances of an airliner going down. In other words, it could happen, but it's sure not very likely.

 I also explain that until the piano stabilizes, it will need to be tuned often, as in at least twice a year, and not let go again for another decade. Otherwise they will be back in the same boat all over again.

If a customer insists on tuning the piano flat, I will do it once, but then defer to another tuner. Chuck


      
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