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Baldwin string scale

  • 1.  Baldwin string scale

    Posted 01-30-2025 12:00
    Dear colleagues,
    I am currently working on a Baldwin SF from 1980 (233836). While measuring the string gauges, I noticed that they do not match the specifications indicated on the plate at all. Of course, this happens from time to time, but this set of strings appears to be original, which seems rather unlikely to me.
    Out of curiosity, does anyone know the original string scale (gauges) for this piano and the original pin size used by the factory?
    Below are the measured gauges and those listed on the plate.
    Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

    Regards
    Arnold Duin

    18.5- 14
    17 - 8
    16.5 -2
    17- 2
    16,5 -10
    15- 6
    15 -10
    14.5 – 7

    Plate no.
    18 -14
    17- 6
    16.5- 2
    16-2
    16.5-2
    16-10
    15.5- 6
    15-4
    14.5- 6
    14-7


  • 2.  RE: Baldwin string scale

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-30-2025 12:48
    I would go with the numbers on the plate. Your measurements seem to be off too much. I don't know what happened, but perhaps you had some problems with the micrometer. 



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Baldwin string scale

    Posted 01-31-2025 08:37
    Thank you, Wim, for your reply.
    There is nothing wrong with the micrometer—the results were simply unexpected. Some numbers on the plate were faded or missing, so I filled in the list based on what seemed logical. I was hoping someone could confirm that list.
    I have now received confirmation through the Baldwin service manual (via PTG website resources).

    Best regards

    Arnold Duin


    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Baldwin string scale

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-01-2025 15:32

    I have many Baldwin SF-10's in my client list, and all of them have the interesting characteristic of the "up-and-down" plate markings. I have also changed 2 strings at that break between upper tenor and alto which confirmed this anomaly. Also, the funny agraffes found in the alto/treble (please tell us what those are called) vary in their placement between various iterations. Some pianos have them staggered, and I believe earlier ones were in a straight line. They can and do buzz from time to time and I have been able to mitigate that by using feeler gage material to insert (forcefully) in-between the tight spacing.

     

    Warm Regards,

    Peter Acronico, RPT

    (408) 838-2559

     




    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Baldwin string scale

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-31-2025 09:49

    Arnold, I measured an SF at a conference years ago because I wanted the scale for comparison with others. However, I likely used the plate markings for the gauge sizes. Below is what I have in my scale file which matches what is on your plate. This Baldwin Model is one of the very few pianos where I have seen gauge sizes go up, down, up, and down again. because we rarely see this. However, the tension across this anomaly (updnupdn) is quite smooth. I would go with the plate markings.

    18 - 14
    17 - 6
    16.5 - 2
    16 - 2
    16.5 - 2
    16 - 10
    15.5 - 6
    15 - 4
    14.5 - 6
    14 - 7



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    Tremaine Parsons RPT
    Georgetown CA
    (530) 333-9299
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Baldwin string scale

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-31-2025 10:45

    Is the down up down at a bridge jog?



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    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Baldwin string scale

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-01-2025 07:28

    I too have seen this. Evidently it's a feature, not a flaw.

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Baldwin string scale

    Posted 02-01-2025 09:59
    There are 2 different SF string scales. Make sure you use the right one.

    -chris




    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Baldwin string scale

    Posted 02-02-2025 03:41
    Hi Chris, Do you have measurements for the second one?

    Arnold Duin


    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Baldwin string scale

    Posted 02-01-2025 10:42
    Thank you, Tremaine. Indeed, it's not often that you see such changes in gauge.
    Another thing that stands out on this grand piano is the small distances between the bridge pin rows near the transitions. Something new to me is the individual front terminations-some have a wider bearing surface than others.
    Do you happen to know if this is because they were replaced and the original size was unavailable, or was this done with a specific purpose in mind?

    Best regards,

    Arnold Duin



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    Arnold Duin
    Krommenie NH
    31-75-6211529
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    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Baldwin string scale

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 30 days ago

    Interestingly I am rescaling a 5' 8" Stieff grand that (on paper) wants this exact pattern around the treble strut. Goes from #15 to #14.5 on each side of the strut and then back to 15. This keeps tension much more consistent through there rather than straight #15 throughout.

    The piano was restrung very badly years ago so I have no original data, but the way the hitch pin and bridge patterns are set up suggests that originally they may have done exactly this. I would be interested if anyone has access to an original Stieff Scale 37 to compare.  

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message