<HTML style="FONT-SIZE: x-small; FONT-FAMILY: MS Sans Serif"><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1251"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.2963" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY> <P> <DIV>Geoff asked: "<FONT size=+0>rGeetings all --</FONT> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>In my naivet? as an Associate member I still look forward to the</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>opportunities of working on pretty much anything that comes my way. Well, at</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>least once, just for the experience. So, I just followed up on a referral to</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>a woman who has an old Weber rosewood square grand, sn: 18831, made in 1880.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>The piano has been in her family since it was purchased new, and is</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>apparently in reasonable condition. Well, for a square.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>The last time it was serviced was about five years ago and whoever did it</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>has disappeared. She says that there are a couple of notes that don't play,</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>or don't play well, and that the low bass and high treble are way out of</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>tune. She also says that the previous tech, in an attempt to bring it up "to</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>pitch" had raised the pitch from 392 to 415 but said that it should not be</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>raised any further. </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>Today's questions:</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>: Do I need a special tip for my hammer to go on the tuning pins? I have</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>stars, (of course), and an oblong.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>: What pitch should it really be tuned to? (She doesn't care as long as it</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>sounds in tune.)</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>: If it won't hold pitch is CA an option?</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>: What should I watch out for? </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>: Also, any tips-n-tricks that can be offered, (besides running away), will</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>be appreciated.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>No appointment has been made yet as she going out of town. This gives me</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>time to research this challenge and arrive, (hopefully), prepared. She knows</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>the piano has problems, and that parts and repair are going to be a major</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>deal. She has agreed that all work, both repair and tuning will be hourly.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>She's not looking for miracles. She really just wants to get it to perform</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>well enough to get her though Thanksgiving and Christmas."</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0> </FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>-- Geoff,</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>There are several posts, (from me), in the archives, regarding Square Grands.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>Judging from the age of the piano and the Manufacturer, I would wager it has standard tuning pins. (do take your oblong tip w/adapter!<G> Just in case.)</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>The pitch at the time of that piano's manufacturer was probably 435cps. Weber's were noted for using very high grade wire during that period. I wouldn't be afraid to try to tune it at 440cps. (unless I see a lot of evidence of replaced/spliced strings, etc.) The piano will stay better in tune if it is at least up to it's designed pitch.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>If the tuning pins are loose, first check to see if the piano has Tapered tuning pins. If it does, a LIGHT tap will solve the problem pins. However, if it has standard type tuning pins, CA is most certainly a viable, as long as you don't get too carried away. Less is better in most cases.<G></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>Take numerous breaks. Book out the entire day on a first time Square Grand appointment. You'll probably need it..<G></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>Take the lid off before tuning, etc.. Take the music rack off first! Support your body against the case while tuning to help support your back. Hopefully you are in good physical condition. If not, then put off the appointment for 3-6 months and get in shape.<G> (especially abs, which help to support your back.)</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>As for the notes that don't work or don't work very well: probably the jack cords that operate the jack springs. Also, insufficient lost motion or too much. Think spinet lost motion in this case. You'll need an off-set screwdriver for the "back" capstan screws!</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>Hope that helps.. If you need more info.....Call Me.<G> (my fingers are getting tired.)</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>Regards,</FONT></DIV></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Joseph Garrett, R.P.T.</DIV> <DIV>Captain, Tool Police</DIV> <DIV>Squares R I</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <P></P></BODY></HTML>