Tuning Bluthner unison 4th string

[Tom Driscoll]

-----Original Message-----

Subject: Tuning Bluthner unison 4th string


Dear List Members,

What is the preferred method for tuning the 4th
(unstruck) string on a Bluthner unison.  My basic
assumption was tune the 3 unison strings normally,
then listen for the sympathetic vibrations of the 4th
string.  Is this correct? I had also thought about
playing the unison, then plucking the 4th string but
this did not seem to be the proper way to go about it.
 Second, when tuning this string how does one go about
equalizing the tension across the string?

John Pasterczyk
Associate Member PTG

	
John,
	I only service two Bluthners so I hardly consider myself an
expert on these ,but I did service one last week. 
	Some of the aliquot strings pass through a slot in an otherwise
conventional style agraffe then pass  through another agraffe attatched
to a small bridge on the soundboard. These are tuned to an octave higher
than the unison being struck. The highest section has an agraffe affixed
to the treble bridge and is tuned in unison with the strings being
struck.
      My method (using an accutuner) is to tune the piano as per your
preferred method and on the final pass pluck the fourth string  after
switching the ETD to the next higher octave. Pluck as vigorously as
practical and check aurally . The higher section is tuned in unison as
mentioned.
	I certainly try and equalize tension with several plucks and
tuning lever technique ,but remember these strings are never struck and
I theorize are less likely to be "knocked" out of tune.
	The action had to be removed from the key
frame and was very challenging to remove from the Keyframe.
	Excuse me if you already had the specs on the tunings'
	Tom Driscoll