Hi John,
I recently restrung a Bechstein EN (9') #174222 for one of my favorite customers... in his home. He has what amounts to a small private jazz club on the bottom level! I'm happy to say he is over the moon with the results, and so are all the wonderful musicians who do events in this performance space (easy to be a hero when you start with a great instrument). I will say I'm going straight to hell for replacing all the green underfelt, etc. with red felt. This was my customer's request and it looks gorgeous!
What worked well for me was to make up a certain number of plain wire sizes in my shop, and install them on a day, then repeat until all the plain wire was done. I used a jig I got from Supply 88 (Hitch Pin Loop Maker). This jig helped me do a much neater job, and gave me hope that someday I would finish making all those loops, LOL!
I got the bass strings from Heller Bass, and was very pleased with both their strings and their service. Gregor Heller communicates well, their prices are reasonable and they will get the strings to you at least as fast as other string makers. They did ask me for the A and B measurements for every one of the bass strings (17 bass) as apparently every EN is somewhat "individual".
Not sure about the EN you're dealing with, but this one I worked on did not require a new pinblock. Not so easy, however, as the "open pinblock" areas were actually covered by thin brass plates. I had never dealt with this before. The old tuning pins were tight and came out hot, so I chose to only go up from 6.9mm to 7.0mm. But I did use a hand held metal reamer on every tuning pin hole to make sure the new pins would "fit" through the brass. This worked great. I did not replace the agraffes on this piano, as the piano was young enough there were no issues related to them. I did replace all the action parts (Renner), and used hammers made by Bechstein. Very pleased with them, although some modification was required in the treble.
John, please don't hesitate to get in touch privately for more specific info. Thanks to members of this list for contact info for Torbin Garlin (concert tech. for Bechstein). Through him I was able to get in touch with two great technical contacts at the Bechstein factory!
Teri
Email: teri22ns@att.net
Cell: 310-702-2389
Original Message:
Sent: 12/8/2024 9:16:00 PM
From: John Minor
Subject: RE: Bechstein Factory Technical Contact?
We have a customer with a 1984 Bechstein EN who wants it restrung and I remember recently someone posting that they ordered a set of pre-tied strings for that model from the factory. Anyone know about that? Of course we are quite capable of tying a set of strings but might be more efficient to order them ready to install in the customer's home. Also, how about ordering replacement agraffes? I know they have a newer agraffe design but wonder if they are superior the original ones. The factory suggested we just order bass strings from Heller-Bass....anyone price those recently?
Thanks!
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John Minor
The Piano Shop Inc
Champaign IL
thepianoshopcu@gmail.com
www.thepianoshopcu.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2024 20:35
From: Parker Leigh
Subject: Bechstein Factory Technical Contact?
You may also want to contact Pricilla Rappaport in TX. She trained in the Bechstein factory.
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Parker Leigh RPT
Winchester VA
(540) 722-3865
Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2024 14:11
From: Teri Meredyth
Subject: Bechstein Factory Technical Contact?
Thanks very much guys! It's great to have your suggested contacts!
Teri
Original Message:
Sent: 8/3/2024 9:10:00 AM
From: Dave Conte
Subject: RE: Bechstein Factory Technical Contact?
Conact Victor Soto in Dallas. He's a Bechstein specialist.
Original Message:
Sent: 8/2/2024 8:43:00 PM
From: Teri Meredyth
Subject: Bechstein Factory Technical Contact?
Hi Everyone,
I've been taking care of a wonderful Bechstein EN (concert grand) in a performance situation for several years now. I'm going to be rebuilding it soon, and want to connect with someone at Bechstein about a few things. I've tried emailing their "service" email, and gotten no reply. Anyone have a good factory contact? Thanks!
Teri
Email: teri22ns@att.net
Cell: 310-702-2389