[pianotech] 1891 Steinway

[Joseph Garrett]

Al asked:
"Was an 1891 Steinway upright designed to be tuned to 440, or should it be
tuned to a lower pitch? Haven't tuned these old Steinway uprights. I got a
call from a new customer who would like the piano tuned to 440 and doesn't
know when the piano was tuned last."
 
Al,
If memory serves me, (it is less competent than it used to be<G>), the
pitch that they used was above 440. So, you should be o.k. However, I've
run across a few, of that era, that have a problem with, (my term), "rotten
wire" in the extreme treble area. Go figger.
Best,
Joe

P.S.
I've been meaning to comment on your way of using a mechanics compass, for
measuring the hammer angles. If you do it that way, you have to make sure
that the hammer shanks are EXACTLY 90 degrees to the rail, else you'll get
an incorrect reading.<G> What brought that to my attention was the
Chickering 1/4 Grand, I'm working on. On that one, ALL of the hammer
shanks/flanges are radically slanted! (on purpose, no less<G>)
G


Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I