[pianotech] Knabe

[Dave Doremus]

---d


On Nov 21, 2012, at 12:53 PM, "Joseph Garrett" <joegarrett at earthlink.net> 
> 
> Laura,
> Maybe.<G> First of all, I'd simply call that an Early European Constructed
> Piano. It has a slightly "bent" area of the rim in the middle section,but
> all else is "jointed" to get the "shape".<G> It does appear to be pretty
> stout, so, I don't think I'd be too concerned with the structure being
> weak. However, I'd date that one in the 1855's - 1865's, so the piano wire
> would definately be suspect. Since there was no "standard pitch" until
> around the 1870's,and there wasn't established wire quality, either,  it'd
> be a crap shoot to figure out what Knabe had as their design pitch, (if
> any<G>). I've found, that 425cps,(60 cents flat), is a safe and somewhat
> established pitch of that time, that is what I'd use. If the wire won't
> take it, (you'll know quickly, in just setting the "pitch".<G>), then I'd
> go for 100 cents flat/A#=440cps, which would make it playable with other
> instruments, but would not be conducive to any kind of tuning stability,
> since the tension would be so low that tuning pins would not have their
> optimum "cant". BTW, I would closely inspect ALL joints of the case for
> possible delaminations. That is usually the case with this type of
> construction. If any such delaminations are found, I'd suggest not tuning
> it and recommend that the structure be repaired before tuning be attempted.
> Hope that helps.
> Joe
> 
> 
> Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
> Captain of the Tool Police
> Squares R I
>