Pianotech

I tuned an Essex grand piano recently and there was a buzz throughout that I was unable to locate. It's quite maddening and I'm hoping I can describe the situation and gain some insight.

The client described the buzz as appearing when B4 or C5 were played.

I tested and agreed but found it most apparent on A sharp 4  and every other A sharp up and throughout the keyboard.

The buzz is difficult to describe... it's not a sizzle like loose hardware or hinge. screws might make​. It sounds like a sound boardeee type of buzz, like something might be on the soundboard resonating, but it seems like it's moving!

I removed the action and cleaned the piano, I found pencils, paper clips, guitar pics, small rocks (yep) and an assortment of oddities that I was sure were responsible for the buzzing but when I left the buzz was still there.

I tightened every screw I had access to, including action screws and case screws.

It's a wierd buzz, I hear it in the bass on E1, then on A# 2 in the bass - centered near the bass bridge.

Then when I play A# 4  the buzz appears to come from the treble side of the piano.   Same with A#5 and above.

I have no idea what is causing this! My sense is that it has to be something foreign on the soundboard.

This is consistent with all the other artifacts found inside the piano.

The pianists are young kids, ages 5 to 10 and it's possible (likely?) there are unknown items buzzing on the soundboard, under the plate.

Any thoughts on this scenario? 

I tuned an Essex grand piano recently and there was a buzz throughout that I was unable to locate. It's quite maddening and I'm hoping I can describe the situation and gain some insight. 

The client described the buzz as appearing when B4 or C5 were played. 

I tested and agreed but found it most apparent on A sharp 4  and every other A sharp up and throughout the keyboard.

The buzz is difficult to describe... it's not a sizzle like loose hardware or hinge. screws might make​. It sounds like a sound boardeee type of buzz, like something might be on the soundboard resonating, but it seems like it's moving!

I removed the action and cleaned the piano, I found pencils, paper clips, guitar pics, small rocks (yep) and an assortment of oddities that I was sure were responsible for the buzzing but when I left the buzz was still there. 

I tightened every screw I had access to, including action screws and case screws. 

It's a wierd buzz, I hear it in the bass on E1, then on A# 2 in the bass - centered near the bass bridge. 

Then when I play A# 4  the buzz appears to come from the treble side of the piano.   Same with A#5 and above. 

I have no idea what is causing this! My sense is that it has to be something foreign on the soundboard. 

This is consistent with all the other artifacts found inside the piano. 

The pianists are young kids, ages 5 to 10 and it's possible (likely?) there are unknown items buzzing on the soundboard, under the plate. 

Any thoughts on this scenario? 

I tuned an Essex grand piano recently and there was a buzz throughout that I was unable to locate. It's quite maddening and I'm hoping I can describe the situation and gain some insight.

The client described the buzz as appearing when B4 or C5 were played.

I tested and agreed but found it most apparent on A sharp 4  and every other A sharp up and throughout the keyboard.

The buzz is difficult to describe... it's not a sizzle like loose hardware or hinge. screws might make​. It sounds like a sound boardeee type of buzz, like something might be on the soundboard resonating, but it seems like it's moving!

I removed the action and cleaned the piano, I found pencils, paper clips, guitar pics, small rocks (yep) and an assortment of oddities that I was sure were responsible for the buzzing but when I left the buzz was still there.

I tightened every screw I had access to, including action screws and case screws.

It's a wierd buzz, I hear it in the bass on E1, then on A# 2 in the bass - centered near the bass bridge.

Then when I play A# 4  the buzz appears to come from the treble side of the piano.   Same with A#5 and above.

I have no idea what is causing this! My sense is that it has to be something foreign on the soundboard.

This is consistent with all the other artifacts found inside the piano.

The pianists are young kids, ages 5 to 10 and it's possible (likely?) there are unknown items buzzing on the soundboard, under the plate.

Any thoughts on this scenario? 

I tuned an Essex grand piano recently and there was a buzz throughout that I was unable to locate. It's quite maddening and I'm hoping I can describe the situation and gain some insight.

The client described the buzz as appearing when B4 or C5 were played.

I tested and agreed but found it most apparent on A sharp 4  and every other A sharp up and throughout the keyboard.

The buzz is difficult to describe... it's not a sizzle like loose hardware or hinge. screws might make​. It sounds like a sound boardeee type of buzz, like something might be on the soundboard resonating, but it seems like it's moving!

I removed the action and cleaned the piano, I found pencils, paper clips, guitar pics, small rocks (yep) and an assortment of oddities that I was sure were responsible for the buzzing but when I left the buzz was still there.

I tightened every screw I had access to, including action screws and case screws.

It's a wierd buzz, I hear it in the bass on E1, then on A# 2 in the bass - centered near the bass bridge.

Then when I play A# 4  the buzz appears to come from the treble side of the piano.   Same with A#5 and above.

I have no idea what is causing this! My sense is that it has to be something foreign on the soundboard.

This is consistent with all the other artifacts found inside the piano.

The pianists are young kids, ages 5 to 10 and it's possible (likely?) there are unknown items buzzing on the soundboard, under the plate.

Any thoughts on this scenario?