Search found 3558 matches

by Barrie Heaton
11 Aug 2019, 22:48
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Minor maintenance
Replies: 3
Views: 9366

Re: Minor maintenance

chrisw wrote: 11 Aug 2019, 18:34 Thanks Barrie,
You may also be interested to know that our recent piano group meeting was very successful and there seemed to be no issues with respect to the maintenance you are currently conducting on that piano.
Still waiting for the new strings

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
11 Aug 2019, 15:47
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Minor maintenance
Replies: 3
Views: 9366

Re: Minor maintenance

On a Kemble upright not too much of a challenge keep them in order on the floor. I would spray the friction points with Proteck while the keys are out.

However, you will find that the keys will not be as level after you put them back in don't vac the felt pads up :-(

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
31 Jul 2019, 19:18
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Boyd Upright Piano
Replies: 2
Views: 8754

Re: Boyd Upright Piano

its a straight strung over damper piano c1900 to 20, very little resale value. Trade will ask you for money to take it away.
If the piano is up on concert pitch that will add value. You then may get £0 to £175 on eBay November to Jan is the best time to sell a piano in the UK.

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
13 Jul 2019, 23:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Are Bluthner strings really known to be problematic?
Replies: 5
Views: 12569

Re: Are Bluthner strings really known to be problematic?

Yes, I haven't been able to track it down, but, judging from the "prizes" sticker on the soundboard, I'm guessing it's from the 1920s. Give them the serial number and they will date it for you I've got a bit more guessing to do, this time about your reply. "BS" is "British ...
by Barrie Heaton
12 Jul 2019, 20:52
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Are Bluthner strings really known to be problematic?
Replies: 5
Views: 12569

Re: Are Bluthner strings really known to be problematic?

Yes, Bluthner strings can be a pain manly Bluthners that were made in former East Germany scaling is very close to the BS. But a new string should come up. He/she may have to tell the string maker to make the string a tad thinner so they will come up However, all 4 will need to be changed or they wi...
by Barrie Heaton
11 Jul 2019, 19:46
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha c109(B1)
Replies: 6
Views: 13039

Re: Yamaha c109(B1)

I believe that the two tuners that wherein SH have now retired. There is not that many in Liverpool as well. Have you considered becoming a student member of IMIT and the PTA. You then can go to the training conventions also, F&N put them on as well. Open an account with F&N, the last one wa...
by Barrie Heaton
10 Jul 2019, 21:35
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha c109(B1)
Replies: 6
Views: 13039

Re: Yamaha c109(B1)

St. Helens is My Home town not lived there since the 70s

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
10 Jul 2019, 18:42
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha c109(B1)
Replies: 6
Views: 13039

Re: Yamaha c109(B1)

Well done on coming to the end of your RP course are you based in the UK? First of all, the Yamaha C109 and the B1 are different pianos the C109 was made in China. The B1 is manufactured in Indonesia. You may have to get a new part from Yamaha or look to see if there is an airline crack in the brack...
by Barrie Heaton
10 Jul 2019, 00:23
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Monington & Weston
Replies: 5
Views: 11267

Re: Monington & Weston

yes, parts for Herrburger Books action are available. However, I would consider getting a tuner to have a look at it first. Not just the action but the tuning pins as well

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
06 Jul 2019, 21:19
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Monington & Weston
Replies: 5
Views: 11267

Re: Monington & Weston

Roller action is the best type of action if not worn or poorly regulated. Are you sure they did not say it was a none roller action? As to the piano in a conservatory, not a good idea you will need a piano lifesaver if it is north facing - if the conservatory is a south facing one you will kill the ...
by Barrie Heaton
13 Jun 2019, 21:30
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice needed: C.Bechstein restoration project
Replies: 1
Views: 7662

Re: Advice needed: C.Bechstein restoration project

Not seen the piano but that price seems low to me more like £15,000 for a full rebuild.

As to what the piano is worth when done! that the wrong approach to restoring. However, if it is done well, it will be cheaper than buying a new one.


Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
24 May 2019, 10:04
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Spelling mistake in the Menu Section
Replies: 1
Views: 8489

Re: Spelling mistake in the Menu Section

Thanks Sorted

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
06 May 2019, 17:30
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice on second hand piano
Replies: 2
Views: 8581

Re: Advice on second hand piano

If the Kemble is 1970's, it may now have issues. As to the Essenfelder (probably made in, Chiner, not Germany) if in good condition it may be better than the Kemble. Taller piano better Bass also 88 note over 85 compared with the classic. As chrisw said "get a tuner to look at it for you "...
by Barrie Heaton
04 May 2019, 10:30
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Any tuners tuning Unequal Temperament?
Replies: 20
Views: 30182

Re: Any tuners tuning Unequal Temperament?

Sadly it's the worlds worse venue to get to on public transport and not so good by car if you are coming from North of London. You would get more response from tuners if you have it at one of the conventions. Or why not one of the training centers.

Good luck

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
05 Apr 2019, 19:59
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: 6ft 1925 Chappell available
Replies: 2
Views: 8814

Re: 6ft 1925 Chappell available

All the Chappel grand pianos I have tuned have had roller actions. Small Grands do tend to have a terrible change of tone at the break partially old ones.

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
05 Apr 2019, 19:53
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Advice on type of piano
Replies: 2
Views: 9185

Re: Advice on type of piano

Try to avoid pre 1990 pianos unless you are going to get a tuner to look at it for you or buying from a dealer who will guarantee it. Avoid all mini pianos, Kemble, Evestaf. As they are just passed it, Normal Kemble and Evestaff pianos are fine if you follow the 1990 rule as most mini piano where ma...
by Barrie Heaton
31 Mar 2019, 09:16
Forum: Piano Showcase
Topic: The inside-out-piano
Replies: 2
Views: 9185

The inside-out-piano

Interesting music, I don't like the idea of musicians putting stuff on the bass strings it can make the copper covers come louse, steels re OK to a point but you can scratch the strings. A vertical grand piano is not a new idea , but I like the idea that it is easy to move. http://sarahnicolls.com/i...
by Barrie Heaton
25 Mar 2019, 18:27
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Tuning pins stiff but slipping
Replies: 15
Views: 25318

Re: Tuning pins stiff but slipping

I would agree on the Ibach older ones are very bad. The new Steingraeber is like the old Ibach very steep up to the pins. Older Stineway grand pianos can be interesting. Model V is a pain as well. Same as the Model 7,8, 9 Bechstein upright pianos, but for me its the old double agraffes Broadwood gra...
by Barrie Heaton
24 Mar 2019, 15:49
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Tuning pins stiff but slipping
Replies: 15
Views: 25318

Re: Tuning pins stiff but slipping

Possibly a drop of oil on the holes of the agraffes as the string goes through them might ease the passage of the string. But that's for jumpy strings rather than jumpy pins. DO NOT put oil on the agraffes it will make it worse over time. if you must put a lubricant on the agraffes use Teflon or gr...
by Barrie Heaton
13 Mar 2019, 16:37
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Tuning pins stiff but slipping
Replies: 15
Views: 25318

Re: Tuning pins stiff but slipping

Before you go down the route of CA glue Get a different tuner in Please.

FYI we use CA glue on pianos that are at the end of their life and restring is more than the piano's worth. Also, on Grand's care has to be taken as it can drip down on to the action.


Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
13 Mar 2019, 12:43
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Tuning pins stiff but slipping
Replies: 15
Views: 25318

Re: Tuning pins stiff but slipping

Drag is from the stud to the tuning pin the string travels over a red bearing pad if the friction at that point is too much when you turn the pin and stop. There is an equalization between the pin and the stud taking place as a tuner you must adjust for this. (some tuners are better at it than other...
by Barrie Heaton
12 Mar 2019, 22:10
Forum: Piano Showcase
Topic: I wrote my own piece! Critiques?
Replies: 5
Views: 12140

Re: I wrote my own piece! Critiques?

Nice I enjoyed it, would have been better if you had the piano tuned first. :piano; You can edit a post by clicking the edit button for the relevant post, sometimes for only a limited time after the post was made. If someone has already replied to the post, you will find a small piece of text output...
by Barrie Heaton
12 Mar 2019, 17:42
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Tuning pins stiff but slipping
Replies: 15
Views: 25318

Re: Tuning pins stiff but slipping

its drag, if the person who restored the piano made the bearing pads too thick it will add extra drag older S&S have a lot of drag at the best of times. You have to use the drag to help you tune.

Options

Restring or try a different tuner

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
12 Mar 2019, 00:20
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Tuning pins stiff but slipping
Replies: 15
Views: 25318

Re: Tuning pins stiff but slipping

The piano was built in 1898. It had a complete rebuild including restringing in 1997 so it's probable that it had oversize pins fitted although I've no way of knowing for sure. Until I spoke to our tuner this morning, the only issue I was aware of is that it doesn't stay in tune for long at all (ou...
by Barrie Heaton
11 Mar 2019, 20:05
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Tuning pins stiff but slipping
Replies: 15
Views: 25318

Re: Tuning pins stiff but slipping

Stop do not use CA glue. If the tuner is reporting that the pins are not turning smoothly, that could mean that the tuning pins are very tight and jumping. CA glue will make it worse. How old is the piano? Has the piano been restrung with oversize pins? Other problems with Steinways is string drag t...
by Barrie Heaton
11 Mar 2019, 19:49
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Shim the loose tuning piano's pin with cardbord
Replies: 10
Views: 20804

Re: Shim the loose tuning piano's pin with cardbord

That is because you are in this thread you need to click the link above Piano Advice

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
11 Mar 2019, 17:14
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Shim the loose tuning piano's pin with cardbord
Replies: 10
Views: 20804

Re: Shim the loose tuning piano's pin with cardbord

Mention of CA should be made in the FAQ section of this forum regarding Pintite. CA has to be fresh and very thin. Best wishes David P Cyanoacrylate Adhesives are very effective But... I have had pianos made untenable, as the person has got it all over the pins and strings. You need excellent venti...
by Barrie Heaton
11 Mar 2019, 17:07
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Shim the loose tuning piano's pin with cardbord
Replies: 10
Views: 20804

Re: Shim the loose tuning piano's pin with cardbord

its at the top
Screenshot 2019-03-11 at 16.01.23.png
[attachment=0]
by Barrie Heaton
10 Mar 2019, 16:22
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Chappell 9ft grand 1903 - save?
Replies: 6
Views: 12380

Re: Chappell 9ft grand 1903 - save?

The Beverly Hillbillies... Along came Jed...

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
10 Mar 2019, 00:07
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Chappell 9ft grand 1903 - save?
Replies: 6
Views: 12380

Re: Chappell 9ft grand 1903 - save?

berntd wrote: 09 Mar 2019, 22:05 I thought as much.
I was walking around here yesterday with my tapemeasure looking for space for a 268cm piano.
I was not sucessful :-(
You also need a very understanding partner :piano;

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
09 Mar 2019, 11:43
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Chappell 9ft grand 1903 - save?
Replies: 6
Views: 12380

Re: Chappell 9ft grand 1903 - save?

Chappell concert grand pianos of that era were very lovely. They were the main piano at the proms in Henry Woods time Until the BBC took it over then S&S moved in.

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
06 Mar 2019, 16:28
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Any tuners tuning Unequal Temperament?
Replies: 20
Views: 30182

Re: Any tuners tuning Unequal Temperament?

My limited exposer to ETD is that result tend to be excellent or rubbish wile aural it's good, OK, rubbish and plain wrong. Also, it depends on ETD's where they have used them Scale: usually very good, good, to not so good. Octaves: Bass, OK to weak and the lower end Hmm Trebel: Very good, OK Top Tr...
by Barrie Heaton
04 Mar 2019, 16:13
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Any tuners tuning Unequal Temperament?
Replies: 20
Views: 30182

Re: Any tuners tuning Unequal Temperament?

Were you happy with the end result
Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
02 Mar 2019, 01:26
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Any tuners tuning Unequal Temperament?
Replies: 20
Views: 30182

Re: Any tuners in Wales tuning Unequal Temperament?

Back in the 70s we did cover meantone at college while it was not part of the exam structure (no test to pass) you were encouraged to tune a piano in the museum to meantone and some pianos were tuned to 1/4 tone which is very strange to the ear. Tunelab can be used by Blind tuners https://www.tunela...
by Barrie Heaton
01 Mar 2019, 01:31
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Any tuners tuning Unequal Temperament?
Replies: 20
Views: 30182

Re: Any tuners in Wales tuning Unequal Temperament?

Both Bill Bremmer and Ed Foote are heroes. And Enid Katahn also. The 1990s was too early for Unequal Temperament to take hold and in 2006 or so when I started I had not heard of their work. I would disagree with on that, as Bills clients where happy. It was the piano tuning world that was not happy...
by Barrie Heaton
28 Feb 2019, 20:08
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Any tuners tuning Unequal Temperament?
Replies: 20
Views: 30182

Re: Any tuners in Wales tuning Unequal Temperament?

Do you do it by ear or ETD I would say 90% of tuners in the UK still tune by ear that is changing, while in the US I would say 90% of tuners user ETD so different Temperament are less of a challenge with an ETD? in the 90s Bill Bremma (SP) got slated by most US tuners for just tuning in Unequal Temp...
by Barrie Heaton
27 Feb 2019, 13:41
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Understanding Regulation
Replies: 20
Views: 27738

Re: Understanding Regulation

On the top treble, the last five notes as you have altered the strike point you may wish to cut a strip of 350 grit wet and dry sandpaper, cut it about 75mm wide. Put the smooth side to the strings push the nose of the hammers onto the rough side and pull the paper to you and down in signal motion. ...
by Barrie Heaton
21 Feb 2019, 21:02
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Steinway wippen question
Replies: 1
Views: 6847

Re: Steinway wippen question

That is how we use to do the butterfly springs and still do, try and adjust then try and adapt. The micro adjusters have only been around for about 20 years Renner. As to the let-off (set off ) that is done at the front with the set- off screw, The drop is by the small screw on the flange. The felt ...
by Barrie Heaton
17 Feb 2019, 11:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Remake of an old piano - Houston Piano
Replies: 0
Views: 13549

Remake of an old piano - Houston Piano

interesting remake of an old piano all mechanical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=523c7mb ... e=youtu.be
by Barrie Heaton
03 Feb 2019, 17:45
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Humidity in north west England
Replies: 5
Views: 12070

Re: Humidity in north west England

if a Grand then 3 heaters one for the water and 2 for the piano an upright has 2 There is a control unit that monitors Humidity if low it heats up the pads that draw water if too wet the other 2 kick in The unit tells you if it needs more water Cheaper to run than a Dehumidifier https://www.pianolif...
by Barrie Heaton
01 Feb 2019, 11:10
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Snow
Replies: 5
Views: 11200

Re: Snow

I do have things to do in the workshop but the wife has found me a list of jobs.... danish oil the worktops just between coats so no watching box set for me today

astigmatism is a pain I have it bad in my right eye Dry eyes make it worse so sitting in front of the monitor can bring it on

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
01 Feb 2019, 09:11
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Snow
Replies: 5
Views: 11200

Re: Snow

Bad snow, here again, this morning so had to cancel 4 tunings for today. They said last night that it was only down south to get it

So how are the glasses working out


Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
31 Jan 2019, 18:57
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Snow
Replies: 5
Views: 11200

Re: Snow

Had to cancel some tuning this week, today we were in the Ormskirk - Parbold area they have had nothing just a dusting compared to Rosendale, the side streets in Darwen are awkward if going uphill interesting when coming down. Tomorrow it is Great Harwood, Darwen, and Bolton the Bolton ones will be ...
by Barrie Heaton
27 Jan 2019, 15:10
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: CleanTalk Anti-Spam.
Replies: 2
Views: 8693

Re: CleanTalk Anti-Spam.

it's not a great deal of money at $8 a year and it working well for now. we will just have to see if the smart kids work a way around it

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
27 Jan 2019, 11:40
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: CleanTalk Anti-Spam.
Replies: 2
Views: 8693

CleanTalk Anti-Spam.

Having to wage war Spammers over the years and not winning most of the time I was reading up on phpBB forums on any new ways I came across CleanTalk Anti-Spam post which uses a different approach. We installed CleanTalk Anti-Spam on 13 Jan 2019 and we are very happy with the results. Just this week ...
by Barrie Heaton
26 Jan 2019, 14:47
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Music stand for grand piano
Replies: 5
Views: 12198

Re: Music stand for grand piano

Sounds nice, the best one I saw was made of Mecano my thought where at first some poor kid is missing a large part of his/hers Mecano set I loved mine when I was a kid

Barrie
by Barrie Heaton
26 Jan 2019, 12:01
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Music stand for grand piano
Replies: 5
Views: 12198

Re: Music stand for grand piano

You're getting old then, welcome to my world :-) I have visited quite a few places in my time, that has had some interesting adaptation for music desks did you add music stays to yours? The most common one I get is from churches as the hymnbooks are too big for the music desk and the pages do not st...
by Barrie Heaton
31 Dec 2018, 14:55
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Visitors to the UK piano page Aug to Dec
Replies: 0
Views: 13992

Visitors to the UK piano page Aug to Dec

in the last 5 months, we have had folk using: Desktop 22.1% Total: 1,314,253 Mobile 8.8% Total: 519,690 Bots 69.1% Total: 4,103,763 most popular Chrome 55.9% Total: 803,774 Firefox 13.4% Total: 192,750 Safari 11.6% Total: 166,241 Msie 11.2% Total: 161,521 Opera 8.0% Total: 114,810 Top 5 countries Co...
by Barrie Heaton
30 Dec 2018, 15:33
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: My User name login problem
Replies: 5
Views: 12211

Re: My User name login problem

Good job I am not looking after a Nuclear reactor :oops: Barrie That was my job. However with my lifelong interest in furniture making and woodworking in general I now realise I could have been equally happy in the piano trade. I have quite a few clients who work in the Nuclear industry I met a ver...
by Barrie Heaton
30 Dec 2018, 13:55
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: My User name login problem
Replies: 5
Views: 12211

Re: My User name login problem

Forums, on the whole, are in decline some are doing better than others. It uses to be newsgroups rec.music.makers.piano was a good one in the 90s who use them now! then in the 00's it was Forums now its Facebook and next... ! This site took a big hit in 2016 when we had a major hack and Google dropp...