Pianotech

  • 1.  Pleyel Wolff grand

    Member
    Posted 12-06-2024 20:19

    I have a client that has just acquired a Pleyel Wolff straight strung grand #99172 that dates from 1890. It currently is sitting at about 413 and they are wondering if it could be brought up to 440. I have not tuned it yet so I don't know what the condition of the pinblock is, but the rest of the piano seems to be very solid. What are others thoughts on the piano being able to be tuned to 440?

    Also, I am familiar with the Pleyel name but not with the Pleyel & Wolff & Co name. It says Pleyel on the fallboard, and Pleyel & Wolff & Co on the lid. Any information on this brand would be appreciated.

    Thank you.



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    Rex Roseman
    Norton OH
    (330) 289-2948
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  • 2.  RE: Pleyel Wolff grand

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-07-2024 09:55

    If pinblock is good and it has a full iron plate go to 435 and no higher.



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


  • 3.  RE: Pleyel Wolff grand

    Posted 12-07-2024 12:16
    This is a modern piano - by my standards - and would have been made to be pitched anywhere between 435 and 450 or something like that

    Testing the chime-bars in the head of the Pleyel Wolfe Chromatic Harp with Cleartune A5=872.2
    Bb5 925.5
    B5 979.2
    C5 1037
    C#6 1098
    D6 1164
    Eb6 1234
    E6 1305.3
    F6 1383.5
    F#6 1465
    G6 1556
    Ab4 411.2

    Why Cleartune reverted down the octave goodness knows and pitches might vary on account of the strings not being tuned at this point

    However this is clear evidence for the 435 or 436 pitch from this maker.

    There is a question of methodology which I have not explored - as to whether one tuned the A5 octave upwards and then tuned by octaves from there, or as to whether one tuned each octave not to each octave progressively but so that the harmonics which fall within the A5 octave are aligned to the A5 octave chime bars.

    The temperament is equal plus or minus 1 or 2 cents. In measuring, the pitches of the chime bars often rise by up to 2 cents in the sustain after the strike

    Best wishes

    David P


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    David Pinnegar, B.Sc., A.R.C.S.
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    +44 1342 850594



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Pleyel Wolff grand

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-14-2024 11:35

    After the death of Camille Pleyel in 1855, August Wolff took over as head of the company, and his name was added. 



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    Fred Sturm
    University of New Mexico
    fssturm@unm.edu
    http://fredsturm.net
    http://www.artoftuning.com
    "We either make ourselves happy or miserable. The amount of work is the same." - Carlos Casteneda
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    Original Message