Piano servicing, tuning, & rebuilding: for the professional, the student, the hobbyist

Abstract

This work provides a comprehensive guide to the servicing, tuning, and rebuilding of pianos, intended for professionals, students, and hobbyists. It begins by classifying piano types, detailing internal mechanisms, and outlining criteria for evaluating the condition and value of instruments. Practical sections address cleaning and minor repairs, covering various components from keys and strings to action parts and cabinet elements. The text then delves into the systematic process of action regulation, explaining adjustments for keys, hammers, and pedals to ensure optimal playability. A theoretical foundation of musical acoustics and tuning principles is provided, followed by detailed procedures for temperament setting, pitch adjustment, and tuning all sections of the piano, including considerations for electronic tuning devices. The culmination is a guide to complete piano restoration, encompassing full disassembly, soundboard and bridge repair, pinblock replacement, restringing, comprehensive action rebuilding with new hammers, and cabinet refinishing. The objective is to impart the necessary knowledge and techniques for maintaining and restoring pianos to a high standard of mechanical and musical integrity. – AI-generated abstract.