That's the best I could do for a title. This begins simply, then gets more complex. For the calculator/spreadsheet junkies: Piano: Yamaha CFIII concert grand Question: What is a representative tension and/or shear value (as seen by the tuning pin) on C1 (string #4)? I'm inclined to think tensions build up pretty fast in those last few notes. Perhaps 185~225 lbs at the moment of the bend? Discussion: Yesterday, before beginning to service this piano for a concert, I did octave checks just to get the overall "lay of the land", considering recent climate swings. I usually do A's, but for some reason, I began with C1 this time. Although I did playing blows (not test blows), C1 chose that moment to break. Except for practicing while watching TV, I'm not good with splices in real-time. Regardless, I had no core wire that large to even attempt a splice, so another piano was substituted. Since the break was at the pin instead of the agraffe, might I correctly conclude that it was overpulled at some point, and that my test just took it over the edge? If so, better then than during the performance. Otherwise, the lowest section of this piano is normally a "hard pull", enough to make me consider (but dismiss) the idea that the strings are not rendering properly. The bigger issue: This piano has been used (and unwillfully abused) in all sorts of venues since 1987. It has performed admirably considering NO budget or even routine maintenance has been done. Most concert grands with a similar service record would have been rebuilt or at least restrung/hammers by now. Unless something changes (budget considerations), I know this piano is working on borrowed time. I also know that this incident, coupled with other indicators, is a sign of things to come. IOW, I know what projections and recommendations to make, but am keenly aware that the university will start crying the blues about hard times and budget restraints. That leaves me... and reality. In summary, is anyone else having to use the band-aid service approach on key instruments? In this instance, I can improve my in- piano splicing abilities, somehow acquire lengths of HUGE core wire, and so on. It's those other cliff-hanging surprises that concern me. Jim Harvey Jim Harvey harvey@greenwood.net Greenwood (n): the largest city in South Carolina WITHOUT an Interstate
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