[Fwd: Re: [Fwd: Re: Unstringable C8, was Steinway 78183]]

[Nick Gravagne]

Interesting idea Ed. But I wonder about sizzles as the pins and brass
"notch" would not align. May not matter, though.

 

Gives me a thought, however. 

 

What about removing the pins and plugging holes. Then, using a Forstner bit
bore in a clean countersunk hole of appropriate depth. Finally, drill and
tap to install agraffes. This way the string lengths can be easily
established as well as bearing etc. I think I might consider this before
recapping. And, in any event, should recapping be required no harm has been
done.

 

BTW, my last sign off should have read "respectfully" not "respectively". 

 

Nick Gravagne, RPT

Piano Technicians Guild

Member Society Manufacturing Engineers

Voice Mail 928-476-4143

 

  _____  

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Ed Sutton
Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2008 10:30 AM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: [Fwd: Re: [Fwd: Re: Unstringable C8, was Steinway 78183]]

 

Two thoughts: 

 

1)What is the friction under the bearing bar? The highest string tension in
the system will be between the tuning pin and the bearing bar. Is the bar
rough, or tightened down too far? Perhaps some good lubrication on the bar
would help. At one time Steinway was applying a heavy white grease to the
pressure bar, if I remember correctly.

 

2)Since these are notes 87 and 88, which aren't very pretty in the best
cases, is there enough notch on the bridge to try sliding a little piece of
brass rod on the edge of the bridge, to make a forward termination? Not
classy, but quick out of sight, and likely to be held in place by gravity
assist on a vertical.

 

Ed Sutton

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

From: Nick Gravagne <mailto:gravagnegang at att.net>  

 

.........

 

So, given that the string lengths need to be shorted in this area, the real
question to the List is "what is the easiest and least costly way to do
this"? And this is where the List shines brightest. But without photos and
some measurements we don't have enough information.

 

......

 

 

Lastly, and I say this with a grin and sincerity, you might consider doing
nothing and simply accepting the fact that the top two notes must be tuned
flat - kind of like your piano has a bit of arthritis or a bit of a bad
back. I have a door in my house that won't latch right. I could spend a day
fixing it, or even replacing it, but I live with it and it doesn't bother
me. But that's me. The door thing might bother you a lot, as this piano
thing might as well. 

 

Respectively,

 

Nick Gravagne, RPT

Piano Technicians Guild

Member Society Manufacturing Engineers

Voice Mail 928-476-4143

 


  _____  


From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Leslie Bartlett
Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2008 6:02 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [Fwd: Re: [Fwd: Re: Unstringable C8, was Steinway 78183]]

 

This trust issue is a big thing. This from the lady who's top string broke
on the Steinway vertical.  I forwarded all the pianotech posts to these
folks- trust and respect at least sometimes coming from honest admission
that a problem is beyond one's ability, but s/he will do their darndest to
find a solution. Now, I just wish we could find that solution!   Extending
the bridge closer to the capo seems like a reasonable possibility, huh?  It
wouldn't require an entire design of a very old, and mostly nicely rebuilt
piano.
les b


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

Dear Les,
 
This is Mary writing; Jerry showed me the correspondence you forwarded to
him about key 88 on our Steinway. 
 
Thank you for submitting this problem for consideration by the group, and
for forwarding to us their insights and ideas. Reading these discussions is
fascinating as well as helpful: we get a glimpse of piano workings, and also
see the interest and concern of so many knowledgeable people on this
question.
 
You made an excellent difference in the piano, and we appreciate it.  The
action is noticeably improved, as well as the tuning. I have been playing it
faithfully every day, at least some chromatic scales. You are right; it
definitely responds to use.
 
Thank you for your good work. I am so happy that Carl recommended you.
 
Best regards,
 
Mary Ochoa 
 
 
 

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