Pianotech

Hi everyone.

I received a call from someone who claimed to have numerous 'interesting' pianos and 'pieces' that might interest me. I will admit my 6th sense about these things kicked into overdrive from our conversation, and there was a reason for that: this gentleman has numerous old pianos, nickelodeons, and various other contraptions and non-descriptive instruments that make lots of noise and are in need of tuning.

Today I tuned the NY Street Piano. It's in original condition, and the bottom row of the tuning pins for the top 1/2 of the instrument are barely hanging on for dear life. Tuning this piece requires plucking the strings, with no dampers attached. The bass portion has dampers, and they detach for access. The tenor and treble are sans dampers. It took me the better part of 1.5 hrs. to get the thing in some semblance of tune. Little to no inharmonicity in this instrument, and I wound up tuning by ear after the first octave was in tune. Also, the piano is being tuned down a 6th from the markings on the pinblock cover..rust, age, and string breakage prevent it from being tuned where the marking say it should be. He said changing a string on it would be problematic. From his immense knowledge of the instruments in the room, I had no doubt he was telling me the truth.

It would not surprise me if the techs in the Conn. area know of him. He's headed there on Saturday for the summer and will return in the Fall for more tuning projects for me.

There are 2 files attached: one showing the instrument minus the bass dampers, and the 'song after the tuning'. He was pleased.

I finally found a use for my mini-Faulk lever! I had more fun this afternoon with him than I have had in a long time with learning something new.

Enjoy.


------------------------------
-Phil Bondi
------------------------------

😁

Do you know how the hammers achieved that neat vibrato affect? Of is the mechanism just hitting everything really fast?

(I know, it's a night for technical terms....)

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2018 21:45
From: Phil Bondi
Subject: NY Street Piano

Hi everyone.

I received a call from someone who claimed to have numerous 'interesting' pianos and 'pieces' that might interest me. I will admit my 6th sense about these things kicked into overdrive from our conversation, and there was a reason for that: this gentleman has numerous old pianos, nickelodeons, and various other contraptions and non-descriptive instruments that make lots of noise and are in need of tuning.

Today I tuned the NY Street Piano. It's in original condition, and the bottom row of the tuning pins for the top 1/2 of the instrument are barely hanging on for dear life. Tuning this piece requires plucking the strings, with no dampers attached. The bass portion has dampers, and they detach for access. The tenor and treble are sans dampers. It took me the better part of 1.5 hrs. to get the thing in some semblance of tune. Little to no inharmonicity in this instrument, and I wound up tuning by ear after the first octave was in tune. Also, the piano is being tuned down a 6th from the markings on the pinblock cover..rust, age, and string breakage prevent it from being tuned where the marking say it should be. He said changing a string on it would be problematic. From his immense knowledge of the instruments in the room, I had no doubt he was telling me the truth.

It would not surprise me if the techs in the Conn. area know of him. He's headed there on Saturday for the summer and will return in the Fall for more tuning projects for me.

There are 2 files attached: one showing the instrument minus the bass dampers, and the 'song after the tuning'. He was pleased.

I finally found a use for my mini-Faulk lever! I had more fun this afternoon with him than I have had in a long time with learning something new.

Enjoy.


------------------------------
-Phil Bondi
------------------------------

It's the mechanism striking very fast. I did not check out the guts. I'm sure in the fall when he returns we will be diving more into that instrument. It's a personal favorite of his.

------------------------------
-Phil Bondi
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2018 23:44
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: NY Street Piano

😁

Do you know how the hammers achieved that neat vibrato affect? Of is the mechanism just hitting everything really fast?

(I know, it's a night for technical terms....)

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2018 21:45
From: Phil Bondi
Subject: NY Street Piano

Hi everyone.

I received a call from someone who claimed to have numerous 'interesting' pianos and 'pieces' that might interest me. I will admit my 6th sense about these things kicked into overdrive from our conversation, and there was a reason for that: this gentleman has numerous old pianos, nickelodeons, and various other contraptions and non-descriptive instruments that make lots of noise and are in need of tuning.

Today I tuned the NY Street Piano. It's in original condition, and the bottom row of the tuning pins for the top 1/2 of the instrument are barely hanging on for dear life. Tuning this piece requires plucking the strings, with no dampers attached. The bass portion has dampers, and they detach for access. The tenor and treble are sans dampers. It took me the better part of 1.5 hrs. to get the thing in some semblance of tune. Little to no inharmonicity in this instrument, and I wound up tuning by ear after the first octave was in tune. Also, the piano is being tuned down a 6th from the markings on the pinblock cover..rust, age, and string breakage prevent it from being tuned where the marking say it should be. He said changing a string on it would be problematic. From his immense knowledge of the instruments in the room, I had no doubt he was telling me the truth.

It would not surprise me if the techs in the Conn. area know of him. He's headed there on Saturday for the summer and will return in the Fall for more tuning projects for me.

There are 2 files attached: one showing the instrument minus the bass dampers, and the 'song after the tuning'. He was pleased.

I finally found a use for my mini-Faulk lever! I had more fun this afternoon with him than I have had in a long time with learning something new.

Enjoy.


------------------------------
-Phil Bondi
------------------------------

I don't care how jaded you are. That's very cool.

------------------------------
Karl Roeder
Pompano Beach FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-08-2018 05:53
From: Phil Bondi
Subject: NY Street Piano

It's the mechanism striking very fast. I did not check out the guts. I'm sure in the fall when he returns we will be diving more into that instrument. It's a personal favorite of his.

------------------------------
-Phil Bondi

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2018 23:44
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: NY Street Piano

😁

Do you know how the hammers achieved that neat vibrato affect? Of is the mechanism just hitting everything really fast?

(I know, it's a night for technical terms....)

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2018 21:45
From: Phil Bondi
Subject: NY Street Piano

Hi everyone.

I received a call from someone who claimed to have numerous 'interesting' pianos and 'pieces' that might interest me. I will admit my 6th sense about these things kicked into overdrive from our conversation, and there was a reason for that: this gentleman has numerous old pianos, nickelodeons, and various other contraptions and non-descriptive instruments that make lots of noise and are in need of tuning.

Today I tuned the NY Street Piano. It's in original condition, and the bottom row of the tuning pins for the top 1/2 of the instrument are barely hanging on for dear life. Tuning this piece requires plucking the strings, with no dampers attached. The bass portion has dampers, and they detach for access. The tenor and treble are sans dampers. It took me the better part of 1.5 hrs. to get the thing in some semblance of tune. Little to no inharmonicity in this instrument, and I wound up tuning by ear after the first octave was in tune. Also, the piano is being tuned down a 6th from the markings on the pinblock cover..rust, age, and string breakage prevent it from being tuned where the marking say it should be. He said changing a string on it would be problematic. From his immense knowledge of the instruments in the room, I had no doubt he was telling me the truth.

It would not surprise me if the techs in the Conn. area know of him. He's headed there on Saturday for the summer and will return in the Fall for more tuning projects for me.

There are 2 files attached: one showing the instrument minus the bass dampers, and the 'song after the tuning'. He was pleased.

I finally found a use for my mini-Faulk lever! I had more fun this afternoon with him than I have had in a long time with learning something new.

Enjoy.


------------------------------
-Phil Bondi
------------------------------

I completely agree...very cool!

------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-08-2018 06:58
From: Karl Roeder
Subject: NY Street Piano

I don't care how jaded you are. That's very cool.

------------------------------
Karl Roeder
Pompano Beach FL

Original Message:
Sent: 05-08-2018 05:53
From: Phil Bondi
Subject: NY Street Piano

It's the mechanism striking very fast. I did not check out the guts. I'm sure in the fall when he returns we will be diving more into that instrument. It's a personal favorite of his.

------------------------------
-Phil Bondi

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2018 23:44
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: NY Street Piano

😁

Do you know how the hammers achieved that neat vibrato affect? Of is the mechanism just hitting everything really fast?

(I know, it's a night for technical terms....)

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2018 21:45
From: Phil Bondi
Subject: NY Street Piano

Hi everyone.

I received a call from someone who claimed to have numerous 'interesting' pianos and 'pieces' that might interest me. I will admit my 6th sense about these things kicked into overdrive from our conversation, and there was a reason for that: this gentleman has numerous old pianos, nickelodeons, and various other contraptions and non-descriptive instruments that make lots of noise and are in need of tuning.

Today I tuned the NY Street Piano. It's in original condition, and the bottom row of the tuning pins for the top 1/2 of the instrument are barely hanging on for dear life. Tuning this piece requires plucking the strings, with no dampers attached. The bass portion has dampers, and they detach for access. The tenor and treble are sans dampers. It took me the better part of 1.5 hrs. to get the thing in some semblance of tune. Little to no inharmonicity in this instrument, and I wound up tuning by ear after the first octave was in tune. Also, the piano is being tuned down a 6th from the markings on the pinblock cover..rust, age, and string breakage prevent it from being tuned where the marking say it should be. He said changing a string on it would be problematic. From his immense knowledge of the instruments in the room, I had no doubt he was telling me the truth.

It would not surprise me if the techs in the Conn. area know of him. He's headed there on Saturday for the summer and will return in the Fall for more tuning projects for me.

There are 2 files attached: one showing the instrument minus the bass dampers, and the 'song after the tuning'. He was pleased.

I finally found a use for my mini-Faulk lever! I had more fun this afternoon with him than I have had in a long time with learning something new.

Enjoy.


------------------------------
-Phil Bondi
------------------------------

Original Message------

😁

Do you know how the hammers achieved that neat vibrato affect? Of is the mechanism just hitting everything really fast?

(I know, it's a night for technical terms....)

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

How fun!  And that, Sir, is what we do.  1.  You made him happy - given the circumstances and parameters you were given:  We are an organization of piano service professionals. and 2) We provide quality service for the world's pianos!

Bravo <g class="gr_ gr_9 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="9" data-gr-id="9">Mr</g> Bondi!

------------------------------
"PTG - Expand your Horizon. Share the Vision"
"Providing Quality Service for the World's Pianos"
"Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest. 'Til the good is better, and the better best."

George W.R. "Bill Davis", RPT, SERVP
2315 Rocky Mountain Rd NE
Marietta GA 30066-2113
CP: 770-778-6881
bill@pianoplace.net
www.pianoplace.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2018 21:45
From: Phil Bondi
Subject: NY Street Piano

Hi everyone.

I received a call from someone who claimed to have numerous 'interesting' pianos and 'pieces' that might interest me. I will admit my 6th sense about these things kicked into overdrive from our conversation, and there was a reason for that: this gentleman has numerous old pianos, nickelodeons, and various other contraptions and non-descriptive instruments that make lots of noise and are in need of tuning.

Today I tuned the NY Street Piano. It's in original condition, and the bottom row of the tuning pins for the top 1/2 of the instrument are barely hanging on for dear life. Tuning this piece requires plucking the strings, with no dampers attached. The bass portion has dampers, and they detach for access. The tenor and treble are sans dampers. It took me the better part of 1.5 hrs. to get the thing in some semblance of tune. Little to no inharmonicity in this instrument, and I wound up tuning by ear after the first octave was in tune. Also, the piano is being tuned down a 6th from the markings on the pinblock cover..rust, age, and string breakage prevent it from being tuned where the marking say it should be. He said changing a string on it would be problematic. From his immense knowledge of the instruments in the room, I had no doubt he was telling me the truth.

It would not surprise me if the techs in the Conn. area know of him. He's headed there on Saturday for the summer and will return in the Fall for more tuning projects for me.

There are 2 files attached: one showing the instrument minus the bass dampers, and the 'song after the tuning'. He was pleased.

I finally found a use for my mini-Faulk lever! I had more fun this afternoon with him than I have had in a long time with learning something new.

Enjoy.


------------------------------
-Phil Bondi
------------------------------

sweeeet.  the instrument is a beast i would love to come and see all of his stuff. maybe he will consent to an interview and video.

its amazing to encounter unusual designs and instruments . things like this are priceless and so are the moments we get to spend with folks like this. cherish the moment

------------------------------
James Kelly
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-08-2018 07:12
From: George W. R. Davis
Subject: NY Street Piano

How fun!  And that, Sir, is what we do.  1.  You made him happy - given the circumstances and parameters you were given:  We are an organization of piano service professionals. and 2) We provide quality service for the world's pianos!

Bravo <g class="gr_ gr_9 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="9" data-gr-id="9">Mr</g> Bondi!

------------------------------
"PTG - Expand your Horizon. Share the Vision"
"Providing Quality Service for the World's Pianos"
"Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest. 'Til the good is better, and the better best."

George W.R. "Bill Davis", RPT, SERVP
2315 Rocky Mountain Rd NE
Marietta GA 30066-2113
CP: 770-778-6881
bill@pianoplace.net
www.pianoplace.net

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2018 21:45
From: Phil Bondi
Subject: NY Street Piano

Hi everyone.

I received a call from someone who claimed to have numerous 'interesting' pianos and 'pieces' that might interest me. I will admit my 6th sense about these things kicked into overdrive from our conversation, and there was a reason for that: this gentleman has numerous old pianos, nickelodeons, and various other contraptions and non-descriptive instruments that make lots of noise and are in need of tuning.

Today I tuned the NY Street Piano. It's in original condition, and the bottom row of the tuning pins for the top 1/2 of the instrument are barely hanging on for dear life. Tuning this piece requires plucking the strings, with no dampers attached. The bass portion has dampers, and they detach for access. The tenor and treble are sans dampers. It took me the better part of 1.5 hrs. to get the thing in some semblance of tune. Little to no inharmonicity in this instrument, and I wound up tuning by ear after the first octave was in tune. Also, the piano is being tuned down a 6th from the markings on the pinblock cover..rust, age, and string breakage prevent it from being tuned where the marking say it should be. He said changing a string on it would be problematic. From his immense knowledge of the instruments in the room, I had no doubt he was telling me the truth.

It would not surprise me if the techs in the Conn. area know of him. He's headed there on Saturday for the summer and will return in the Fall for more tuning projects for me.

There are 2 files attached: one showing the instrument minus the bass dampers, and the 'song after the tuning'. He was pleased.

I finally found a use for my mini-Faulk lever! I had more fun this afternoon with him than I have had in a long time with learning something new.

Enjoy.


------------------------------
-Phil Bondi
------------------------------

The Nethercutt Museum here in Los Angeles, (Sylmar), is primarily an antique car museum. BUT, they also have this huge collection of automated musical instruments. Everything from music boxes to HUGE orchestrions. One of them even has two accordians. A couple of years ago I arranged a tour for the LA Chapter, and guests, of the place and we got to talk to the tech who maintains all of these instruments. Turns out that almost all of them have upright pianos in them. At least two of the visiting techs mentioned that they have orchestrions in their client list. And everyone that has worked on them complained about the fact that the action is not attached to the piano. The "piano" is basically a box with soundboard, plate and strings that gets tilted out the back of the device and pluck-tuned as you, (Phil), wound up doing with the instrument you posted about. While I'd love to visit the inside of these things because of all the mechanics involved, I'm not sure I'd have the patience to actually tune one. Just the same, I applaud your work on this one. The end result is really quite wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2018 21:45
From: Phil Bondi
Subject: NY Street Piano

Hi everyone.

I received a call from someone who claimed to have numerous 'interesting' pianos and 'pieces' that might interest me. I will admit my 6th sense about these things kicked into overdrive from our conversation, and there was a reason for that: this gentleman has numerous old pianos, nickelodeons, and various other contraptions and non-descriptive instruments that make lots of noise and are in need of tuning.

Today I tuned the NY Street Piano. It's in original condition, and the bottom row of the tuning pins for the top 1/2 of the instrument are barely hanging on for dear life. Tuning this piece requires plucking the strings, with no dampers attached. The bass portion has dampers, and they detach for access. The tenor and treble are sans dampers. It took me the better part of 1.5 hrs. to get the thing in some semblance of tune. Little to no inharmonicity in this instrument, and I wound up tuning by ear after the first octave was in tune. Also, the piano is being tuned down a 6th from the markings on the pinblock cover..rust, age, and string breakage prevent it from being tuned where the marking say it should be. He said changing a string on it would be problematic. From his immense knowledge of the instruments in the room, I had no doubt he was telling me the truth.

It would not surprise me if the techs in the Conn. area know of him. He's headed there on Saturday for the summer and will return in the Fall for more tuning projects for me.

There are 2 files attached: one showing the instrument minus the bass dampers, and the 'song after the tuning'. He was pleased.

I finally found a use for my mini-Faulk lever! I had more fun this afternoon with him than I have had in a long time with learning something new.

Enjoy.


------------------------------
-Phil Bondi
------------------------------