Mike: I do pitch raising in much the same procedure that you use being sure the customer understands the situation before I do anything. I think explaining to the customer thoroughly is very important to being able to schedule subsequent tunings successfully. On the Weber, just pulling it up to A-435 and having 3 strings to break tends to say the strings may have reached the end of their tinsel strength in this case. I had the same situation with a Steinway model K from the same era, the 1880's, where even non rusty strings kept breaking. I suggested to the lady that it should be re strung. She said, "Do it". I did it and it is today holding a very stable, A-440 tuning. I have pitch raised and fine tuned many old uprights, birdcages and square grands with a minimum string breakage. But there comes a time when an oldie should be restrung. I believe the owners are willing to have it done. Since my wife died over 6 years ago I have retired from major shop work so I have recommended another technician to them for the restringing. Martin Wisenbaker, RPT Houston, Texas
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