Laura said: "Subject: [pianotech] Knabe Message-ID: <193E1AA6-425F-4F6B-BE10-3BF052E15C7A at gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" So, was this called a "coffin tail"? I' guessing I shouldn't to this to A440. Can't find a serial number...yet. Art case 304 written on the plate. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: photo.JPG Type: image/jpeg Size: 140952 bytes Desc: not available URL: <https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20121121/df80c51f/attac hment.jpeg>" Laura, Maybe.<G> First of all, I'd simply call that an Early European Constructed Piano. It has a slightly "bent" area of the rim in the middle section,but all else is "jointed" to get the "shape".<G> It does appear to be pretty stout, so, I don't think I'd be too concerned with the structure being weak. However, I'd date that one in the 1855's - 1865's, so the piano wire would definately be suspect. Since there was no "standard pitch" until around the 1870's,and there wasn't established wire quality, either, it'd be a crap shoot to figure out what Knabe had as their design pitch, (if any<G>). I've found, that 425cps,(60 cents flat), is a safe and somewhat established pitch of that time, that is what I'd use. If the wire won't take it, (you'll know quickly, in just setting the "pitch".<G>), then I'd go for 100 cents flat/A#=440cps, which would make it playable with other instruments, but would not be conducive to any kind of tuning stability, since the tension would be so low that tuning pins would not have their optimum "cant". BTW, I would closely inspect ALL joints of the case for possible delaminations. That is usually the case with this type of construction. If any such delaminations are found, I'd suggest not tuning it and recommend that the structure be repaired before tuning be attempted. Hope that helps. Joe Joe Garrett, R.P.T. Captain of the Tool Police Squares R I
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