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INSTRUCTION

I offer a full range of instructional services, from large-group lectures to individual tutoring and training in piano technology. 

In July, 2013, I'll teach four sessions at the PTG Annual Convention and Technical Institute in Chicago.

Check out my latest book,
Under the Lid: The Art and Craft of the Concert Piano Technician

For more information about learning to tune and service pianos, please call me at 206-229-9735 or send me an email at

steve@stevebradypiano.com

  

 Steve Brady teaching a class at the PTG Annual Convention in Grand Rapids, MI, July, 2009

 

 Links to Class Outlines

 Tuning Techniques for Stability and Speed

What Difference Does it Make?

Grand Action Rejuvenation

The Full-Service Approach to Piano Maintenance

Under the Lid

Regulating For the Artist

The Art of Tone Regulation

Zen and the Art of Concert Prep

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Class Handout: Advanced Topics in Tuning Stability
  

 2/23/2012 1 Steve Brady, RPT

External factors
 Stage lighting
 HVAC
 Outdoor concerts
 Sun on the strings—also a factor in home
tunings
 Seasonal changes
 Humidity control
 Tighten plate and pinblock screws
 Seat strings at hitch pins 
 Seat strings on bridge 
 Tighten/straighten tuning pin coils 

 Tuning Technique
  Analyze the existing tuning 
 Tuning hammer technique 

 The right tools for the job
  A default hammer technique
 Three cardinal rules
 Move the tuning pin in its entire length
 Move the tuning pin in the smallest possible
increments
 Find the center and leave the pin “centered ”
 How hard to hit? 
 Testing the string 
 The forearm smash 

 Lag: Pitch changes before tuning pin moves
in pinblock . The tuning pin movement lags
behind pitch change.
 Zero lag: Pitch changes exactly when tuning
pin moves in the pinblock
 Negative lag: When tuning pin moves in
pinblock before pitch changes
 Tuning - pin tightness vs string - bearing friction  Tight tuning pins increase lag
 Low bearing friction increases lag
 Tuning pin bushings decrease lag
 Looser tuning pins decrease lag
 High bearing friction decreases lag

Understanding the concept of lag and 
knowing how to approach different lag 
characteristics are important for solid and 
efficient tuning 

Dealing With Low and Negative Lag

 String lubricants: Use with caution

 Lifting strings at understring felts

 Tuning hammer position: Move closer to 3:00 on grands, 9:00 - 11:00 on verticals

 Tuning hammer technique: With low lag, less overshoot, less centering of pin. With negative lag, no overshoot, no centering of pin.

 

Dealing With High Lag
 Tuning hammer position: Closer to 12:00
 Expect more overshoot
 Centering the pin is critical
 Tuning hammer technique: Push down on
tuning lever when raising pitch to decrease
overshoot and increase control


 Why touch up?
 When appropriate?
 How long do you have?

Troubleshooting Instability
 Hammers fitted to strings?
 Strings seated?
 String camming

 

Unisons
 
 Dead center or “on the edge ”?