Steinway Plate strut Q

[Michael Spreeman]

Gerry,
 
It was common practice when I was at ASU for performers to request the extraction of the diagonal bar in Steinway D's in order to perform "new music" so that various items (cans, bottles. keys, spare change, kitty cats, raccoons, trees, small VW microbuses, etc.) could be applied to the strings and/or board in that area. In a final act of desperation, Jim Coleman Sr. wrote to Steinway to inquire about this practice. He was informed by the "experts" at Steinway that the brace was only for moving the piano and was not necessary once the piano was set up.  Hmmmph; you decide.  Eventually, a private foundation provided funding for the acquisition of a new D for the sole purpose of exploring new music.  That piano had the diagonal bar removed, continuing damper problems, and other related issues associated with "interior" work in pianos. No other issues were related to the missing bar. You could ask Rick Florence about the current status of that instrument.
                Michael Spreeman http://www.spreemanpianoinnovations.com


From: cousins_gerry at msn.comTo: pianotech at ptg.orgSubject: Steinway Plate strut QDate: Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:59:40 -0400



Greetings all:I recently encountered, for the first time ever, a SS- D where the cross strut (my term here) had been removed.The strut I am referring to is the one that connects from the bass/tenor break over to the treble hitch pin and support bolt area.It is plate steel and usually has STEINWAY raised cast onto the metal. It connects to the plate with machine screws.Initial findings and observations: The 2 machine screws were still screwed into the plate.Pitch was at 440.  Noticable lack of sustain in treble and high treble. Plate had no structural issues (yet)I am uncertain who what or when this was done but my best guess is that it was forgotten during a restringing.All comments and opinions as to the good bad or indifferent of this issue are appreciated. I do have a plan of action but wanted to field this one to the list first.Cordially,Gerry Cousins, RPTcousins_gerry at msn.com
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