[pianotech] Mathuschek Square Grand

[Joseph Garrett]

Andrew,
Do you own a Repair Labor Guide? If  not, you need to get one, as it will
have the times for alloted jobs in it.<G> They are available from Randy
Potter. 
Yes, it is simpler to tune with and ETD, but I would advise you engage your
ears and really find out what that piano is capable of. Hint: Victorian
Temperaments will show it off better.
As for the Hammer Butt/Flange/Shank/Hammer assembly, you'll have to send a
sample, so that I can match it. Best send note number 87. I do have a more
modern Mathushek Action and I have several salvaged Square Grand actions of
various dimensions. Just send the sample to my address in the Directory.
Joe


> [Original Message]
> From: Andrew Anderson <anrebe at gmail.com>
> To: <joegarrett at earthlink.net>; <pianotech at ptg.org>
> Date: 7/19/2011 8:22:21 PM
> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Mathuschek Square Grand
>
> Thanks Joe,
> I did tell him this brand was the best of the sqaures while eying  
> those bichords way underneath the bass strings.  I think this will be  
> a wedge mute and ETD (Verituner) job.  So how much time would be fair  
> to charge (my inexperience not calculated) to redo all of the jacks?   
> Do you have the top flange shank and hammer for-sale?
>
> Now I know what that last line in the signature means.  Always thought  
> it was some old movie reference... ;-)
>
> Andrew Anderson
>
> On Jul 19, 2011, at 9:52 PM, Joseph Garrett wrote:
>
> > Andrew said: "I've had the not-so-great pleasure of reviewing the  
> > needs of
> > a
> > Mathushek square grand. A -slim- majority of the keys worked. On
> > figuring out to lift the key slip and pull (carefully) the action I
> > determined that many of the jacks need to be "re-sprung". I tested
> > tuning pins at random and encountered string clicking and rather tight
> > pins, so: barring breaking strings it should be tunable. The hammer
> > for the top note is missing, no sign of it anywhere in or around the
> > piano.
> >
> > Does anyone have experience working on these actions who can give me
> > an idea of how long it would take to redo about 30% of the jacks?
> > What is needed to fix the spring on these? I'm guessing there is no
> > parts supply house for things like a hammer, shank and flange...?
> >
> > The piano itself is a pretty piece of work although I don't hold out
> > any great hopes for the sound."
> >
> > -------------------------------------------
> > Andrew,
> > What you are working on is the epitome of those painos! Try to have a
> > better/positive attitude and your encounter will be far more  
> > pleasing, IMO.
> > I work on them all the time. I have over 70 in my data base. I have  
> > used
> > parts for sale. As for the Jack Cords, I strongly urge you to do  
> > them all!
> > DAMHIK<G> Actually one of the most demanding things about a  
> > Mathushek, is
> > strip muting the multi-layers of strings, to tune the sucker! There  
> > is a
> > very good chance you can bring it up to Standard Pitch, (440), w/o any
> > string breakage. If you have questions, you can call me or email me
> > privately, if you wish. My signature says it all. (the third line.<G>)
> >
> > Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
> > Captain of the Tool Police
> > Squares R I
> >