Hi, Laura,
Consider what both Jim and Peter say. Look at the bearing the pressure bar creates and
compare it to what you see in other pianos such as Baldwin 243 which tune normally.
You may be able to back off the pressure - only slightly - if it looks to be more acute than
others, but beware of changing it too much. Many of the old player pianos were built
as a way to sell player systems and did not have the best of engineering.
If the pressure bar has been flattened out it will have created a lot more drag.
A drop of some type of polymer lubricant such as Protek may be used judiciously
under the pressure bar and on the nut.
Before you do, check to see what the tuning pin torque reading is. There may be a
combination of things converging here. Be sure you know where the actual problem
or main components lies. Check other factors such as string corrosion, string cuts in the
nut, excessive pressure bar felt if installed (corrosion is a big factor here), problems
at the bridge pins or bridges.
Peter - can you please tell us what Jon Page's CBL is?
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Dave Conte
Owner
North Richland Hills TX
817-581-7321
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2020 22:27
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Too much friction during tuning
Laura,
My first line of attack would be to apply Jon Page's CBL to the appropriate places. Even if the pressure bar is mal-adjusted, this will be like power steering in comparison.
Trying to adjust that thing now is asking for trouble IMO.
Pwg
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2020 20:04
From: Jim Ialeggio
Subject: Too much friction during tuning
The pressure bar is a good bet. Its actually quite difficult to set the pressure bar just right. If you have either a rebuilder who doesn't care, or not aware of the consequences of their actions, the pressure would be be quite easy to crank down way too far. Also, if the pressure bar was reshaped, and flattened out for some reason, this would also create quite a bit of friction.
How tight are the pins? Do you have tight pins and high friction...I hope not...
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Jim Ialeggio
grandpianosolutions.com
Shirley, MA
978 425-9026
Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2020 19:33
From: James Kelly
Subject: Too much friction during tuning
Is the problem throughout the piano like bass , tenor, treble ? Did you check the size of the tuning pins and do you know if a new pinblock was installed ? how close are the coils to the plate ? could the pinblock been treated with CA or a tuning pin tightener ? Some pictures would help along with the brand name and serial number of the piano. Any number of issues could be in play including the material the block was made from, to small a drill hole for the tuning pins .
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2020 19:06
From: Laura Wright
Subject: Too much friction during tuning
Hello all,
I have a client with an old upright player piano (player works fine), and the piano was restored several years ago. The problem is during tuning, there seems to be a tremendous amount of friction or drag; you know the kind, where you turn the pin and nothing happens, do it again and nothing, then suddenly Ping! and it's too sharp. This piano is the worst case of this problem I've ever encountered. Is it possible that the person who restrung it cranked the pressure bar down too tight? Any thoughts on other sources for this problem?
I appreciate your input! Thanks!
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Laura Wright, RPT
Ivory Keys Piano Service
Durango CO
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