Pianotech

  • 1.  Tune SS duplex scale

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-29-2023 09:00

    I just dealt with a SS D (5 years old) that has a so badly placed duplex scale that it seems to be seriously interfering with the "good stuff". Based on the fact that when I muted it out things Improved greatly I may be called upon to "fix" this. 

    Is there a reasonably convenient way to move these duplex bars while under full tension, or is it necessary to drop the tension to do so? Any pointers along this line from those who know would be appreciated. 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 2.  RE: Tune SS duplex scale

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-29-2023 09:34
    The duplex bars are usually easy to tap proximally, not so much the other way. To lengthen the scale, lowering tension by 300 cents or so may allow enough slack, but the stability will be gone for a while.  
         Be advised that changing the back scale that the factory has installed will make this a Steinwas.   
    Regards,





  • 3.  RE: Tune SS duplex scale

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-29-2023 12:15

    Ed,

    Proximal is the direction needed (judging strictly by my ear). This is good to know but I've never done it. Don't want to scratch up the plate if possible though. 

    I have the duplex setup specs straight from the factory on a sheet given to me by Frank Hanson decades ago, but have not yet checked to see what (if any) difference there is. 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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


  • 4.  RE: Tune SS duplex scale

    Posted 03-29-2023 12:44
    I've come across SS duplexes which are in tune and bring a musicality
    to the top octave and others which aren't. Steinway or Steinwas they
    should be in tune and if they're not intended to be and are not an
    Steinway might just as well be a Steinwas. As a footnote I really
    enjoy tuning the top unisons when they come into resonance and the
    sound just starts fitting together, and often the duplexes give those
    extra aural queues for the unisons to be coming together.

    Best wishes

    David P

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    +44 1342 850594


    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Tune SS duplex scale

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-30-2023 04:47

    Actually as it is from the factory it is so bad that I would consider it a Steinwas right out of the door. The hammers are as hard as rocks... cannot get a needle in them, the keys are starting to chuck...etc etc.  Not impressed in the slightest. 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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

    Original Message