Steinway Evaluation

[David ilvedson]

> Date:          Sun, 12 Jan 1997 14:39:38 +0000
> From:          Bonifield/Poulson <bonifarm@oro.net>
> Subject:       Steinway Evaluation
> To:            Pianotech <pianotech@byu.edu>
> Reply-to:      pianotech@byu.edu

Hi Pat,

I like my 1" belt sander for removing weight from hammers
already hung.  I remove them one at a time and can taper
the hammer, remove excess wood from inside tail and thin the
shanks.  I am assuming there is plenty of upweight from the
heavy parts.

ilvey, RPT
Pacifica, CA


> List Members:  I was called out to evaluate and appraise a Steinway A
> grand.  However, the condition of the instrument makes an appraisal a
> bit problematical, at least for me.  Here are the specifics:
> 	Serial number 49516, year 1882. Refinished in natural color,
> appartently was originally ebony.  Soundboard and bridges very good, new
> pinblock.  Restrung competently, but has five notes in lower tenor
> (G2-D3) given only two would strings instead of three, with tuning pin
> holes in plate left open and undrilled.  New hammers and shanks
> (untapered in treble) and very heavy touchweight - 80+grams in bass.  I
> assume the primary culprit for this heaviness is the hammers and shanks,
> with excess friction in the action contributing as well.  Keytops are
> recovered in plastic.  Of course, the action will need lots of work to
> make it function smoothly.  Tone is good generally.  My thought is to
> work up a average value for the piano in good condition, subtract the
> cost of needed work, and use that figure.  However, some of these
> repairs, such as lightening hammers, tapering shanks, possible
> reweighting keys to balance the new hammers I have not done before.  Any
> advice would be welcomed.  Patrick Poulson, RPT
>
>
>