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Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

  • 1.  Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-19-2022 11:38
    Hi all, I'm getting ready to restring a Mason & Hamlin screw stringer grand.  Besides all the usual tasks that we have to do to restring a piano, (excluding belly, dressing plate and capo, etc), does someone have a guide or tricks for restringing this type of piano?  

    Thanks!

    ------------------------------
    Matteo Crudo, RPT
    DC Piano Co.
    dcpianos.com
    Berkeley, Ca.
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-19-2022 12:12

    Matteo,

    There's a lot to say.  I'm happy to give you a tutorial over a video call, if you like.



    ------------------------------
    Christopher Storch RPT
    Belmont MA
    (617) 489-6436
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-19-2022 14:32
    Chris,

    Some of us would love to be in on such a call - or maybe even a zoom technical someday?

    Regards,

    Bill

    Bill Shull, RPT, M.Mus.
    www.shullpiano.com
    www.periodpiano.org
    909 796-4226

    Sent from my iPhone





  • 4.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-19-2022 15:30
    I second that thought.


    ---Dave

    Sent from my phone, forgive typos!




  • 5.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-19-2022 23:23
    Okay, well, I guess it's in writing that I volunteered!  :)

    Let me know when's a good time.

    ------------------------------
    Christopher Storch RPT
    Belmont MA
    (617) 489-6436
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-20-2022 10:33
    Chris Storch, looks like you're doing a master class. ;)  Anytime that is good for you,  I can most likely make work.  
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    -Matt Crudo, RPT 
     





  • 7.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-06-2023 11:15
    Hello everyone,

    I'm reviving this topic because your requests for a technical presentation are coming true!

    The PTG Boston Chapter April meeting will be devoted to the topic of Mason & Hamlin screwstringers.  We're opening up this presentation to a broader audience on Zoom.

    Details...

    Date:  Saturday, April 22nd, 1PM (Eastern)

    Topic: Screw Stringers - History, Design, Tuning, String Maintenance, Other Repairs - there will be a grand and an upright on display, and a stringing jig for demonstrations.
    Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/96613771347

    Regards,
    Chris Storch, RPT
    (617) 489-6436 (phone + text)


    ------------------------------
    Christopher Storch RPT
    Belmont MA
    (617) 489-6436
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-06-2023 12:06
    Hi Chris,

    I regret that this is my 50th year high school reunion day and I will be unable to participate.

    I hope you record the zoom presentation and make it available.  

    FWIW Period Piano Collection has three grands and an upright in its collection.  

    Here are links to the grands:







  • 9.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-06-2023 16:58
    WOW - thanks a million for this and to all making it available. 
    Nancy Salmon, RPT
    LaVale, Maryland





  • 10.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Posted 10-19-2022 13:33
    I haven't attempted this job in over 30 years but start by figuring out how long to cut the wire to have the machine end up where it needs to be. Much the same as becket placement.  A gage is imperative.

    ------------------------------
    Regards,

    Jon Page
    mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
    http://www.pianocapecod.com
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Member
    Posted 10-19-2022 21:16
    I think that Chupp piano had a screw stringer grand on display at the St Louis PTG Convention a few years back and I think they did the rebuild maybe they have pictures

    ------------------------------
    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    (843) 325-4357
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  • 12.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-19-2022 21:57
    I think it was Jim Reeder's

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



  • 13.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Posted 10-19-2022 22:38
    IMO, screwstringers are fun and simple just different. I made a video of the essentials a few years ago. The only problem is when the comb is damaged, if so, you shouldn't take the job unless you have a part to replace. And finding those  is rather iffy.

    -chris
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7UIEu7jDlk

    ------------------------------
    Chernobieff Piano Restorations
    "Where Tone is Key, and Mammoths are not extinct."
    865-986-7720 (text only please)
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-20-2022 08:46
    Wow, thanks for this.

    I too own  an M&H stringer which  I used for many years and is now on it's side waiting for restoration.

    I would like to be included in any zoom or lecture.

    Nancy Salmon, RPT
    LaVale MD 
    301-697-8813 cell/text





  • 15.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-20-2022 09:32
    I rebuilt an AA screwstringer about 10 years ago. New board, but a pinblock is not needed for this setup. 
    Once proficiency at looping the wire to install the comb was achieved, the biggest problem was finding the replacement combs. 
    They are much like drum head machines, but not quite identical, at least what is available today. I bought what another tech 
    had left in stock and it was exactly enough. The metal is subject to breakage with age. You will almost certainly have one
    fail. Another trap to avoid is a tuning tool that is too thick and will make contact with an adjacent machine while you are tuning one.
    As you turn the one you are tuning, if it makes contact with a neighbor, it will de-tune that note. The tool I purchased years ago
    from APSCO was too thick and did not provide the needed clearance, so I ended up grinding the sides down.

    I'd be happy to participate in a video forum if schedule permits.

    Dave

    ------------------------------
    Dave Conte

    University of Tennessee
    Knoxville TN
    (817) 307-5656
    Owner: Rocky Top Piano
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Posted 10-20-2022 10:37
    Jim Coleman, Jr. might still have the tuning machines. There are two sizes, short and long; respectively for each row.

    ------------------------------
    Regards,

    Jon Page
    mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
    http://www.pianocapecod.com
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-20-2022 10:30
    Chris, Thanks for that vid.  Super helpful!  
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    -Matt Crudo, RPT 
     





  • 18.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Member
    Posted 10-21-2022 08:14
      |   view attached
    Notice the ad piece re: "Mason & Hamlin PIANOS" in the lower right of this page from 1891.

    ------------------------------
    John Gallen
    OWNER
    S Windham CT
    (860) 428-6045
    1040pianos@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: Restringing a M& H Screw Stringer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-21-2022 10:02
    Great idea for a Journal Practical Technician article. Any takers?

    I had to tune an M&H vertical a couple of years ago-I was praying a string didn't break. I could see someone had tried to replace one and could barely get the length correct.

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    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
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