Paul, there is no rhyme or reason to string breakage. In general, it
is less likely to happen with a new piano or one that has been restrung, but
it can happen anyway.
I have tuned pianos stored on a porch (outdoors) that were a ball of
rust, a third flat, pulled it up 100 cents over pitch and didn't break one
string. In other cases, with fairly new instruments just a slight touch on
the tuning lever and the string let go. In my experience, loosening first,
then tightening or lubing various points makes no difference, (I'm sure I'll
hear comments about this one).
We had a chapter meeting once where we took a junk piano and everyone
took a turn at purposely trying to break the strings. We each brought our
tuning wrench and took turns cranking tighter and tighter until the strings
broke. It was amazing! Most pins turned 1/2 a turn or more before the
string let go.
Again, there is no rhyme or reason......
Mike Kurta, RPT
Chicago chapter
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