Screw stringer adventure

[David M. Porritt]

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Tom:

I too have an 1887 Screw Stringer that I have had in my home for 30
years.  I did replace hammers at one time and it is amazing how well
it stays in tune for years at a time.  It also did not have the
tuning tool so I got the Schaff one which doesn't work very well.
For one thing the socket is too thick to get between some of the
tuning screws.  I'd love to see what you have done to make a better
tool.

dave
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On 9/5/2003 at 9:43 AM Tom Driscoll wrote:
List,
            Years ago I took a free mason Screw stringer upright 1887
for some long forgotten reason.I=92ve schlepped this thing around for
years and with a small shop, I finally decided to recondition this
ark. 
            Problem one was a missing tuning tool. Forget the little
one in the schaff catalog. It works, but is too small and awkward for
a complete tuning. I was able to assemble a tool from standard sears
=BC =93 drive tools. I used a T-handle, 6=94 extension, =BC=94 12
point deep socket (6 point socket won=92t work) and a wooden file
handle.-Rosewood optional... I CA=92d all the components together to
eliminate to eliminate any wobble. Works great-Joe G. would be proud.
            Back to the piano, it=92s @ pitch and if it wasn=92t a
screw stringer I=92d replace the bass strings-Not horrible bass tone,
but it is a bit tubby. New dampers and the usual action recon, hammer
shaping, regulation etc. etc.  Nice ivory, Ebony case, somewhat
ornate.
            I tune one of these  twice a decade ,but before long I
had a reasonable technique worked out.Esentially pull it up and leave
it a few cents  flat , then  whack it up to pitch with test blows.
Thank you accutuner
            So here=92s my question: ---What do I do with thing? 
            I have clients looking for Yamaha U1 type- workhorse
pianos, but this is more antique in look and certainly would not hold
up to heavy play. I=92ve never dealt in =93Antique=94 pianos if this
is one, and have no clue as to value. Opinions appreciated as always.
            Tom Driscoll RPT
            
            PS I=92ll send an image of my new tuning tool to ptg file
link-I=92m so proud !
             
            I  
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_____________________________
David M. Porritt
dporritt@mail.smu.edu
Meadows School of the Arts
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX 75275
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