Tuning change with a move - was: Everett Pianos

[Clyde Hollinger]

Robin,

I think we're comparing apples with oranges in two ways.

First, I agree that moving a *grand* piano is not likely to change the
tuning, since it sits on three casters.  Even a very uneven floor is
unlikely to affect the tuning for that reason.  But a vertical piano is
different in that it has *four* casters.  I have found pianos where one
caster is not even touching the floor, so the weight is on only three
casters.  What will happen to the tuning if there is no weight on the front
*left* caster, but after a move there is now no weight on the front *right*
caster?  I know from experience that can make a dramatic tuning change,
especially on smaller pianos.

You can do an experiment a couple times to verify this.  Tune the octaves
beatless over the bass-tenor break.  Then play those octaves while exerting
upward pressure under the keybed at the left leg.  Try it again with upward
pressure at the right leg.  (Or, lift the piano enough to slide a 1/8" shim
under one caster.  Same thing.)  On some pianos there will be a very
obvious beat in the octave.  Does the piano need repair?  I don't think so.

Second has to do with the distance of the move.  Again we're talking about
verticals only.  It depends on how uneven the floor is.  If the weight
distribution on the four casters is different after a move when compared
with before, then even a small move can noticeably change the tuning.
Which explains why I will not move a piano after tuning it if I can avoid
doing so.

Regards,
Clyde Hollinger, RPT
Lititz, PA, USA

Robin Olson wrote:

>    In regards to not moveing a piano after it has been tuned,I have to
> disagree.  Especially in the case of an Everett Studio.As long the back
> posts are sound,and the plate screws are tight,moveing it a few inches
> from the wall won't make it go out of tune.I would say if a piano can't
> be moved a few inches without going out of tune,it needs to be
> repaired.I do alot of concert work where pianos are moved around a
> stage several times after tuning,even during a performance.I am talking
> of course about a structurally sound S'way grand with heavy duty rubber
> wheeled casters.If those pianos had to be tuned every time they were
> moved,I would be very busy....and have to interupt the concert to tune
> the piano after it is moved center stage for the concerto.
>                                              Robin Olson
>
>
> From: Joe And Penny Goss <imatunr@srvinet.com>
>
> > Hi All, My position is that moving the piano after it has been tuned is
> not a good thing to do.