Discussion Posts

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Equal and Unequal Beating Temperament System Research Final Discussion Thread: Circular Harmonic System for Equally Beating Intervals Equal Beating Temperament System Equal Beating Temperament System - Final and Complete ...

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  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Unequal Beating Temperament System - Kirnberger III and Kellner Kirnberger III Equation ((((((((((((((((((((((((440 × 2 + (Δ × 3 × (21.506289597 / 23.460010385))) / 3) × 4 + (Δ × 3 × (21.506289597 / 23.460010385))) ...

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  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Hello List, Regarding safely tilting uprights: Positioning the caster toward the front of the piano when tilting back or returning to the upright position is probably obvious but something I feel I should mention when remembering the three toes I broke ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    I'm unsure of what the screw on the collar is like but maybe substitute a cup point set screw of like size. Thinking more about it, a half dog point set screw is an option, too but be careful of overtightening against the brass. Mark Ultsch, RPT ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Looks like you could also add an additional collar as a possibility. ------------------------------ Tremaine Parsons RPT Georgetown CA (530) 333-9299 ------------------------------

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    If the problem is the set screw working itself loose, perhaps Loctite Blue 242 would help. It's not my first choice but it is reversible with basic hand tools. However, I'm wondering if the problem has to do with the set screw not going in far enough ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Piano technology is a wonderful exercise in problem solving. We daily get to apply our best reasoning and intuition, not with the occasional unusual or complex issue, but with every piano, note or string. Our craft tests us with each customer and every ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    I've not had this problem, but I would suggest the following: Mark the rod where the collar is in the proper position so if it slips you can know where it's supposed to be. Remove the rod and collar. Put the rod and collar in a vise so that the collar ...

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  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Bruce, Is there enough thread available to add a counter locking nut underneath? A thin one maybe? Hard for me to determine this from the photo. Peter Grey Piano Doctor ------------------------------ Peter Grey Stratham NH (603) 686-2395 ...

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  • Posted in: Pianotech

    In a pinch, I do what Patrick suggests. It turns out that thingee is called a 'shaft collar' McMaster-Carr has them and of course Amazon. Besides getting the right core diameter, I'd look for one that has more than one set screw. If not a 'shaft collar', ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    How about filing a flat surface on the rod where the screw point contacts? And perhaps flatten the tip of the screw if it isn't flat? Quick & dirty, I'm sure someone else will suggest a more elegant, and longer lasting, approach. ------------------------------ ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    The Charles Walter grand in a busy choir room has a nagging problem. The sustain pedal keeps going out of adjustment. It is not the lyre parts coming unglued, it is just the rod adjustment. This uses the simple rod with a collar tightened by a single ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Well said. Hope all of us have a Happy and productive year!

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    On December 30, 2016, Ron Nossaman died after a protracted struggle with cancer. On January 1, 2024, he challenged piano technicians to be more analytical in our thinking. It is as pertinent today as it was 12 years ago. We will forever miss his voice ...

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  • Posted in: CAUT

    I have stopped posting on this site becuse it is PUBLIC! I am disappointed that I didn't know this a long time ago. Sent from Gmail Mobile

  • Posted in: CAUT

    If you are looking for something to make the bench tops thicker and more comfortable I found a source that sells gel foam, Perhaps it is worth getting some and then going to a shop that recovers seats /benchs on boats, They have heavy duty vinyls etc ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Hi Paul, Schaff sells 3D-printed versions of these, I believe. Part #590P. I bought a handful to replace on another ancient Chickering (Scale 109) and they worked a treat, but maybe the Quarter-Grand sports different parts. Ben ------------------------------ ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Bingo!

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Thanks Don, Thats a good emergency plan. As it turns out, I found a grommet in my drawer that actually fit the hole for now. I spoke with Jeanie on the phone and have a couple of "authentics" coming. Peter Grey Piano Doctor ------------------------------ ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    You can get it working with heat shrink tubing and a balance rail felt punching. Shrink the appropriately sized tubing onto the pitman pin - maybe even 2 layers would be a good idea. Then put the balance rail punching on, and apply some Protek ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    In reconditioning the damper system on this 1981 KG-2, I was trying to pull out the rubber "grommet" from the aluminum damper tray and it tore in two. It's kind of a T shaped thing that none of my rubber thingys resembles. Has anyone else ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Paul, I have a bunch. Peter Grey Piano Doctor ------------------------------ Peter Grey Stratham NH (603) 686-2395 pianodoctor57@gmail.com ------------------------------

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    You can purchase composite board 1/4 thick from home centers. Strong and lightweight. ------------------------------ Parker Leigh RPT Winchester VA (540) 722-3865 ------------------------------

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Years ago I needed some brass whippen flanges for a Chickering Quarter Grand and the late Isaac Sadigursky sent me his famous coffee can/jar with various Chickering brass flanges taking what I needed and then sending the can/jar back to him. That source ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Am interesting tidbit: William Mason "accidentally" invented the stuff ultimately patented and named "Masonite". Its all-natural too! Peter Grey Piano Doctor ------------------------------ Peter Grey Stratham NH (603) 686-2395 pianodoctor57@gmail.com ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Perhaps I mis-used the trade name. We have hardboard panels purchased from Home Depot.

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Masonite is not being manufactured anymore. ------------------------------ Paul McCloud, RPT Accutone Piano Service www.AccutonePianoService.com pavadasa@gmail.com ------------------------------

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    We use masonite. ------------------------------ Barb Bernhardt GF Music Piano Tuning & Repair Montrose, Colorado ------------------------------

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    My 2013 Honda Pilot similarly will accommodate any action. Of course to do so I have to judiciously move all the stuff I have in there on a regular basis (which could probably be trimmed...someday). Peter Grey Piano Doctor ------------------------------ ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Nice! My Honda ridgeline has also been amazing! I will buy another one next year. A lot of pickups are so big now, nice to have some smaller options coming out. Andrew J. Lyford, RPT Lyford Piano Works pianotechandy@gmail.com 276-732-6290

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    Maverick Designer?

    Posted in: Pianotech

    Greetings friends. I hope you're all enjoying a break between Xmas and the new year. Just thought I'd share a random thought. I don't know for sure that the designer of the Ford Maverick pickup had piano technicians in mind when they made the bed ...

  • Posted in: CAUT

    I have about 30 of them which are maybe 2-3 years old. I can't even sit in them because the top material is so thin now, and the buttons hurt my bum. Are you finding this to be the case as well, or are your tops holding up? Mine are definitely loose underneath ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    It'll never come apart again. 😉 Peter Grey Piano Doctor ------------------------------ Peter Grey Stratham NH (603) 686-2395 pianodoctor57@gmail.com ------------------------------ ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    The post (only 1) is loose and wobbling, indicating the glue joint failed. I don't believe I have encountered the tenons being doweled in addition to the wooden wedges inserted in Steinway lyres. I was hoping someone might have some info that would ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Blaine, I am leaning towards just this approach, thanks for the suggestion. Joe

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    This is an old post but I found it helpful. Just a thought: You could use Slow Pull and then test stability with Pitch Window step #1, right? If it doesn't change after massaging the pin, then the setting is stable for that pitch. ------------------------------ ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    I was thinking similarly but did not want to ask, assuming that I knew. 🤔 Peter Grey Piano Doctor ------------------------------ Peter Grey Stratham NH (603) 686-2395 pianodoctor57@gmail.com ------------------------------ ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Missing information. For what purpose does the singular post need to be removed? ------------------------------ Larry Messerly, RPT Bringing Harmony to Homes www.lacrossepianotuning.com ljmesserly@gmail.com 928-899-7292 ---------------------------- ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Perhaps you should reevaluate your need to remove the top block. If it is being this resistant it might not be worthwhile to completely disassemble it. Injecting epoxy and a new wedge might solidify the post to top block joint enough to continue on for ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    I am working on the lyre of a 2007 Steinway A. I have successfully removed the pedal box from the bottom of the posts and need to remove one of the posts from the top block as well. I have drilled and cut out what seems to be enough of the wedge and ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    I always strap the bottom of the piano to the tilter. It is when you return the piano to the upright position that is most hazardous. A ratchet strap is best but have used skid straps. I only had to screw up once my first time requiring some lid refinishing ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Tim, I will second Paul's comments. It happened to me many moons ago. I was fairly green and did not yet appreciate the importance of securing the thing to the tilter (I will add that the clamps provided with the tilter were poorly designed ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    I would put some plywood on the floor before moving anything. Even under the tilter. Be sure to tie the back of the piano to the tilter. If you don't, the tilter could slip out from under the piano and crash. Especially when you begin to tilt the ...

  • Posted in: Harpsichord

    I will get on that right away Ed! 😀 ------------------------------ [Don] [McKechnie,] [RPT] [Piano Technician] [dmckech@ithaca.edu] [Home 607.277.7112] ------------------------------ ...

  • Posted in: Harpsichord

    Don- Perhaps you could return to Google AI and ask "Does any if this matter when shimming a loose harpsichord tuning pin, and if so, where can I get a grant?" ------------------------------ Ed Sutton ed440@me.com (980) 254-7413 ----------------- ...

  • Posted in: Harpsichord

    Alan, Please post your thoughts on this subject when you are finished with your project. I have never heard of using archival paper as well so I'm sure many of us will be interested in hearing the results. I asked the question on Google about ...

  • Posted in: Pianotech

    Hello, I have a job in early January where I will be tilting a behemoth upright with a tilter. Is there anything I should put on the hardwood floor under the tilter wheels to protect the floor? Recommendations? Thanks! ------------------------------ ...

  • Posted in: Harpsichord

    Alan-Most drawing pads are now "acid free" which is either "100% cotton/rag" or "buffered" (which has some wood fiber with chemical to reduce acidity.) read the label. Or get "Resume" grade stationery that is "100% rag." Look for the watermark. Nice ...

  • Posted in: Harpsichord

    Thanks for your prompt response, Dave. Sounds like I may be getting further into the weeds than I need to be. ------------------------------ Alan Eder, RPT Herb Alpert School of Music California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA 661.904.6483 ----- ...

  • Posted in: Harpsichord

    Oh man, I really don't know. We never got into it that deeply. The main idea was acid free rag would last and not create any further problems. As I remember it was reasonably heavy for paper. The main thing is that harpsichord pins dont need to be crazy ...