Restoring a 1906 Blüthner grand piano

Today, Arnold uncovered the 106 year old logo on the piano which was originally a natural mahogany.  Grandpa probably thought it was black because the varnish had darkened, or he just didn't care, so he had it painted black entirely.  This logo is very rare and probably will not be seen on more than a few pianos here in the USA.  There may be more in Germany, but who knows.

Anyway, this is such a dramatic turn of events, since we never really expected to be able to recover this ... and here it is in its original glory!

Michael Rothberg

The restoration of a 1906 Blüthner grand piano.

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Today, Arnold uncovered the 106 year old logo on the piano which was originally a natural mahogany.  Grandpa probably thought it was black because the varnish had darkened, or he just didn't care, so he had it painted black entirely.  This logo is very rare and probably will not be seen on more than a few pianos here in the USA.  There may be more in Germany, but who knows.

Anyway, this is such a dramatic turn of events, since we never really expected to be able to recover this ... and here it is in its original glory!

Michael Rothberg

What is meant by a pitch raise.

The standard pitch throughout the music industry is A-440. When a piano is properly maintained, this pitch will be maintained. However, when a piano has not been tuned for a year or more, it will have lost pitch and be below standard pitch and will often result in the requirement of more than one tuning to correct it. This/these first tunings are what is called a pitch raise. In fact, a pitch raise is not actually a tuning as its purpose is to raise, or lower pitch and strings are over stretched to ultimately accomplish this. The strings will quickly stretch under the new tension, finding a level. This then requires another tuning, a fine tuning, to correct, leaving the piano stable again.

How Often Should A Piano Be Tuned?

This is certainly the question I am asked most frequently. However, it's the most difficult question to answer. Most piano manufacturers recommend tuning a piano every three months. This is highly recommended when the piano is brand new for the first few years. The rule of thumb has always been, tune the piano twice a year. In general, most instruments require two tunings a year. However, there are a number of variables which affect this.

A new piano, or newly restrung piano will require frequent tunings, usually four times a year. If the piano does not hold tune well, usually due to loose tuning pins, it will require more frequent service to keep it in tune. If the primary player is quite skilled and has a highly developed "ear", he or she may require the piano be tuned more regularly. Also, if the piano is kept in an environment which is subject to extremes in temperature, humidity and/or moisture, it will probably require more frequent service.

Overall I've found that most instruments will hold a good tuning for at least six months. I have numerous client's pianos which hold their tuning far longer. The best way to determine how often your piano needs to be serviced is to ask the technician who knows it.


https://sites.google.com/site/keyboardtuningrepair

Why Tune Your Piano?

I'm often asked, "Why should I have my piano tuned, no one seems to play it?"

My first response is always the most obvious, if you keep the instrument in tune it will be more attractive to someone to play. An out of tune piano will drive a player away from it.

However, there's more to it than that. A piano requires regular maintenance, it is constantly moving, moving out of tune. If left go too long, the piano will require more than one tuning just to get it sounding right. When an instrument is forgotten for many years, the relaxed tension on the strings can do damage to the piano.

Keeping it simple, if the piano sounds good, people will want to play it.

What’s inside can be overwhelming.

 

There are over 8,800 sections, plus springs & small parts in the average piano action. There are an average of 64 adjustments for each of the 88 keys. When you consider that most adjustments are made within 1,000th of an inch, you begin to realize the delicacy of the piano action.

The two most important considerations for the instrument being tone & touch. Regular tuning is one of the components necessary to keep the tone at its best. Repair & regulation will keep the touch proper.

What you wanted to know, or not, about maintaining your piano.

How often should I tune my piano?

Good question, with no simple answer. Piano manufacturers recommend 3-4 tunings a year. However, if tuned properly, the average piano being used an average number of hours a week (either by a beginning student or a casual player), in good condition should hold a tuning six or more months. Now that's a very generic statement, I know. What it means is, if the piano has no mechanical problems holding tune and is not in an adverse climate (not super dry or moist or subject to large variances in temperature) and is more than about 6 years old (new strings go out of tune quickly), it should hold a tuning 6 or more months.

Things like an old pinblock (the piece of wood which ultimately holds the instrument in tune) which may be dry and allowing tuning pins to slip can be either repaired or replaced. Strings which have become old and brittle will affect how well it holds tune. Even playing it many hours a day, forcefully, will have an affect on the tuning. The best judge will always be a competent, experienced piano tuner. By the time he services the instrument twice, he'll have a good idea how long it should hold tune.