Pianist breaking many strings

[Don Mannino]

Bruce,

I think this may be in the archive somewhere, but here is a run down on what 
might help.  It does involve the pianist having to pay for more service . .

1. Replace all weakened wire at once.  Get it all fresh and new, and while 
you're at it, smooth the capo bar - but don't make it flat.
2. Shape the hammers
3. Regulate the action

This should stop it for a while.  Hammer wear increases the stress on the 
wire, so keeping the hammers filed is the best way to minimize breakage. 
What this means is scheduling full service, once a year at least.

I do not like to reduce letoff, as it affects the tone too much during soft 
playing.  I have been playing with a new idea, though, that a few have 
reported helps.  That is to raise the balance rail glide in that area - not 
the treble most one, but the next one down.  Turn it all the way up, so that 
it won't knock.  This way the touch and tone are correct during all but the 
loudest playing, but in very aggressive playing the balance rail will 
bounce, absorbing some of the energy and reducing the stress on the strings 
a little.

Do replace all the weak wire and shape the hammers, though.

Good luck.

Don Mannino


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Music Man" <musicman831 at hotmail.com>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:49 AM
Subject: Pianist breaking many strings


>
> Hi all. I have a client who is a professional pianist. He apparently plays 
> quite forcefully. He seems to break one or two treble strings per month on 
> average, usually in the upper three octaves. He has a Boston grand, model 
> GP 193. He says he has always had this problem, no matter what piano he 
> plays. He is wondering if there is a specific brand of piano that would 
> lessen this problem. Any suggestions?
> Bruce Trummel
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