[pianotech] 1880 Pleyel

[Garret Traylor]

Hi Andrew,
I had a 1895 in my store for a while some years ago. I don't remember all
the details but I believe we tuned it to A440. Pictures of your dampers
might be helpful.  I don't see the work being any different that a modern
piano, it is just a little older.  Service it like a newer model regarding
key leveling and friction.
Kindest Regards,
Garret

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Andrew Anderson
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 3:45 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] 1880 Pleyel

I got called out to assess what was needed for an 1880 Pleyel grand  
piano circa 6'

It has square pins circa 0.190 and is single strung and overstrung.   
Plate struts are braced with plate bolted rods.  The case has squared  
corner at the treble and both sides of the bass.

Tuning to A440 will involve a large pitch correction.  Is that pitch  
appropriate for this piano?

Numerous dampers were bleeding sound and it does not look like typical  
damper felt for replacement.  What would best be used on the damers?   
A bunch of dampers are thwacking against the stop rail below so there  
probably is missing felt there too.

There are some key level problems and sticking keys.  I'm guessing  
that getting into this might be more work then in a modern grand...?

I suggested sending the piano to a specialist to have it done right  
but they don't have a budget and want it to work now...

Andrew Anderson