Pleyel anyone

Ken Jankura kenrpt@mail.cvn.net
Thu, 26 Aug 1999 12:18:06 -0400


List,
   I tuned a 1923 Pleyel grand today with a weird (to me) action. I love
seeing something new.  Stuff like full sostenutos on old uprights (Weber),
or oddball sostenutos on grands (Henry F. Miller), or unusual knuckles
(Brambach ;-}) really make my day (one way or another). The client spoke
limited English, his wife almost none. I think he bought it new in his
native France. All the hammer shanks were held by a single center pin which
ran the length of a brass section. Regular hammer shanks inserted into an
odd-shaped butt, with a non adjustable (I think) T-shaped drop 'screw'. A
rather large coil spring connected the jack and rep lever.  A large strip
of capstan cloth kind of free floated between the wip and the brass capsan.
No glide bolts. Individually tied strings. I was just about beside myself
with excitement. He wants it fixed for his grandson (letoff had settled at
about 7/8th inch :-) ). I mimed to him that I should have no problem
regulating it even though it seems a little odd at first glance.  A 75 ct.
pitch raise made that old thing really come alive. The sound was rather
warm and sweet.  I don't remember if this was one of the 'vintage' action
types on display in KC. If anyone wants to share info or tips with me or
the list, I'd be much obliged.
Ken Jankura
Newburg, PA
 
 


This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC