Pianotech

  • 1.  Just new bass strings question

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-10-2021 09:20

    Hi y'all,

     

    I'm about to install new bass strings on a 1950 George Steck grand.  I have always restrung a whole piano, but this time, just the bass strings.

     

    Do you lower tension on the plain wire strings when you do this or can the piano handle leaving the other wires up?

     

    Thanks

    Paul



  • 2.  RE: Just new bass strings question

    Posted 04-10-2021 10:01
    Just do the bass, and leave the rest alone. If you want more peace of mind, do sections of the bass at a time. However, when I string, because of logistical issues, I almost always string the plain wire, bring it up to pitch, and wait a few weeks before installing the bass wires, as I wait for the Bass strings to arrive.

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Just new bass strings question

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-10-2021 11:36

    Paul,

    As Jim said, don't bother letting the tension down on the plain wires. It is a general rule of engineering to stress design for failure at twice the operating parameters. Many years ago when I was attending the Yamaha "Little Red School House" we were visited by the Yamaha plate casting engineer. The question was asked of him, "How far can you raise the pitch of a piano before the plate breaks."  With a rather curious look on his face, he said, "All the strings would break before the plate breaks". Were the engineering practices of the Aeolian company as stringent as the general rule of stress engineering? I suspect yes because there would be many plate failures by now if they skimped on engineering.



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    Roger Gable
    Gable Piano
    Everett WA
    425-252-5000
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Just new bass strings question

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-10-2021 13:08

    Being this Steck is soon after Aeolean took over, I imagine the plates were possibly already cast.

     

    It's only 4'7" inch, but is a "gift" from the Dean who wants in the Alumni Center to only be played a 5-6 time a year, so I'm comfortable with this being a useful piano for it's needs.

     

    It actually has a nice sound and sustain. The board still has downbearing and bridges are good! Surprise!

     

    In no way would I get this up for a practice room or classroom piano.

     

    It will take place of a 1936 Chickering quarter grand ,also Aeoleon years, sadly.  But it will go to a classroom that rarely needs a grand or piano at all, so it should be all good...I hope.

     

    This tiny piano is a dear donation from the Dean and wants it playable.  Of course,  when pulling out the action, I busted off $88 and gouged my hand pretty good! Ugh!  (Not like the chisel slice at your shop, Roger!!)

     

    We'll replace the keytops too as HE wants it.  It will be done. 

     

    Wish me luck!  I'll leave the other wires alone until tuning time.

     

    Thanks

    Paul

     

     

     

     

     




    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Just new bass strings question

    Member
    Posted 04-10-2021 15:20
    I put all new bass strings in a Chas M Stieff semi parlor Grand. James Arledge made the new strings . I worked down from the tenor that had 7 triple unisons on its own forward bridge this protocol did not place any extra load on the plate and also made it much easier to chip tune and get the strings stable. Just make sure to count the strings and keep them in order. You may need to trace the string pattern or send them all in order. Always safer to mic and measure in case they go missing enroute

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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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    Original Message