Pianotech

  • 1.  Bechstein plate stress during restringing

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-02-2024 15:36
    I will be replacing all bass strings and high treble strings on a Bechstein B from 1954. Does this fall within the range of the Bechstein plates having trouble with cracking near the tenor struts? Generally, when replacing bass strings, I don’t lower the tension on the rest of the piano, but wondering if I should in this case?

    Any insights welcome.
    Thanks
    Joe Wiencek


  • 2.  RE: Bechstein plate stress during restringing

    Member
    Posted 02-17-2024 08:44

    Its probably better to hear from someone experienced with Bechsteins however when I replaced the bass strings on a Chas M Steiff parlor grand I had no problem replacing the long bass strings doing a few at a time . That piano had a massive plate and a section of 13 triple unisons of thinner wound strings. I am curious about the plate weakness you mentioned in Bechsteins since a local church is being gifted one that was rebuilt. I will be taking care of it so it would be good info to have 



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


  • 3.  RE: Bechstein plate stress during restringing

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-17-2024 10:11

    The most troublesome models date around turn of the century with overly thin plate struts.  Another risk factor:  anything less than a perfect pinblock fit.



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    Parker Leigh RPT
    Winchester VA
    (540) 722-3865
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Bechstein plate stress during restringing

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-17-2024 13:21
    Parker,
    Thank you for the info. 

    Joe Wiencek
    NYC



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Bechstein plate stress during restringing

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-17-2024 14:24

    Yes, I'm sure that 1954 is well beyond the danger point.  I grew up on a pre-20th century Bechstein B that ultimately cracked at three struts. That piano was also very light in weight overall in comparison to most 7 footers. 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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