Steinway console tuning

[Clyde Hollinger]

Jay,

Some (most?) of the Steinway verticals have a reputation of being very difficult
to tune well.  The last time this was discussed here, a lot of ire surfaced.  I
guess we just do the best we can.

If I really don't want to see the piano again, I suggest the client may want to
look for another technician who might be more experienced with that model.
Unfortunately I can't recommend names, because I don't want to turn my friends
into enemies.

Regards,
Clyde

Jay Mercier wrote:

> Last week I tuned a 45" Steinway console dated from the early '60s.  It was
> the most stressful tuning I've ever encountered in years.
>
> There were many high treble pins that wouldn't stay put - they would bounce
> around like nothing I've encountered before.  I lowered the pitch just
> slightly, no matter how much I'd overshoot the pitch flat, many pins would
> just bounce right back up!
>
> Equipped with a D.C. unit, and striking the keys very hard, these pins just
> wouldn't settle.  Pins were tight, no visible problems in the soundboard or
> bridge.  The owner was getting irritated that the tuning took a bit over 2
> hours.  I didn't want to tell her what I thought of her precious "Steinway."
>
> Have any of you tuned similar Steinway consoles with similar circumstances?
>
> Jay Mercier
>
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