Search found 910 matches

by vernon
07 Jul 2008, 22:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Car Salesmen?
Replies: 6
Views: 10120

Sorry about your bad experience. I always tell my customers that I don't sell pianos at all. They buy them. If they come here, they can serenade themselves all day if it fits in with others. If they don't like what I have on offer they can leave on good terms and I wonder what more I can do and try ...
by vernon
07 Jul 2008, 16:20
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Replacing Damper Springs
Replies: 8
Views: 10919

you should get away with a medium spring there.
I think logic would dictate that the springs get heavier towards the bass
by vernon
07 Jul 2008, 14:35
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Replacing Damper Springs
Replies: 8
Views: 10919

If you've one broken damper spring you can bet the whole set is perished . It is wise to instal a new set. You don't say where the damper was in the piano so you may have fitted the wrong gauge spring as, as Barrie points out, the set comprises 3 different strenghts, stronger towards the bass. While...
by vernon
06 Jul 2008, 15:01
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Danemann soundboard screws
Replies: 7
Views: 9950

danemann grand

Most English piano makers at least made an "extra prepared "version of standard models for export to the tropics. Apart from pinned keys, pinned key chasings, red lead paint underneath to discourage termites and mouse-proof pedals to keep out wildlife of all sorts,these mods included screw...
by vernon
30 Jun 2008, 20:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Tinny, innit
Replies: 6
Views: 8809

noises in pianos are the bane of a tech's life. If you have time, try the following sequence; Mute each string of the offending trichord in turn to ascertain if all three are causing the tinnyness or just one.. If only one, then it is probable that there is a loose bridge pin. or poor bearing. If th...
by vernon
30 Jun 2008, 20:01
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Tinny, innit
Replies: 6
Views: 8809

not had a longditudinal pulse since I was about 14
by vernon
30 Jun 2008, 19:58
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Thirst for knowledge
Replies: 11
Views: 14087

further to Barrie's suggestion. " The Art of Pianoforte Construction" iby Wolfenden, is the definitive, albeit old fashioned, bible.
Quite rare now. Lost mine.
by vernon
29 Jun 2008, 19:08
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Key buffing
Replies: 4
Views: 7035

Assuming that the tops are ivory and not worn hollow, you need to scrape with a sharp cabinet scraper ensuring it does not judder and make permanent ridges.Then rub down with a hard block with flour paper.Then with a felt pad buff them with pumice powder. Then buff them with whiting powder.Asrie say...
by vernon
26 Jun 2008, 20:59
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Cost of replacing strings?
Replies: 10
Views: 12026

All PIANOS NEED RESTRINGING? HUmpph Hummph
Please explain.That is greatest trauma any piano can suffer

Surely an unconsidered and exaggerated observation
by vernon
26 Jun 2008, 19:21
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: STEADY SOUND
Replies: 2
Views: 5494

genaa is exactly correct
by vernon
26 Jun 2008, 19:20
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Cost of replacing strings?
Replies: 10
Views: 12026

why does it need a new set of strings? Who said so?
by vernon
22 Jun 2008, 19:40
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Help with choices - Yamaha tone
Replies: 30
Views: 27997

First I must apologise for using the word "fiddling!" However, I think purchasers must be made aware of certain truths. As a gross generalisation, I have always suggested to pupils the following and wonder what others' observations are, given that the piano is properly regulated and tuned ...
by vernon
19 Jun 2008, 20:18
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: John Brinsmead and sons Advice???
Replies: 3
Views: 5541

Interestuing. My late great uncle Bock was Brindsmeads head rep about then. I'll have a word at the seance tonight
by vernon
18 Jun 2008, 22:10
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: FRAMES, VASES
Replies: 7
Views: 9818

noises "in "pianos are generally caused by other things in the room. From experience, look at electric fires,obviously picture frames and anything loose even at the other side of the room. In older jos it can be a loose moulding on the top or bottom door which can reverberate depending on ...
by vernon
10 Jun 2008, 19:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: They say there are no stupid questions.
Replies: 10
Views: 14670

cut 4 neat 3" squares from an offcut of the hardwood flooring.
You can insert these( and remove them) by leaning the piano the required way without lifting.
If you are not handy enough, ask the tuner to make them!
by vernon
10 Jun 2008, 19:19
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nothing to do with pianos
Replies: 52
Views: 34725

not only the telly but the toilet on the boat has gone on the blink tho' I'm sure it's something I can mend.El San are a very reputable make.
by vernon
10 Jun 2008, 19:18
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nothing to do with pianos
Replies: 52
Views: 34725

watching Jamie Oliver on the box last night when the screen went blamk.
Telemann's coming tomorrow
by vernon
09 Jun 2008, 21:46
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: finally purchased new piano
Replies: 2
Views: 5008

genaa gives the best advice you can get.
enjoy
by vernon
09 Jun 2008, 21:42
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: RNCB tuning dep to be closed
Replies: 26
Views: 24689

what's Phil Kennedy doing then?
by vernon
07 Jun 2008, 21:35
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nothing to do with pianos
Replies: 52
Views: 34725

I can recommend a super restaurant near Lulworth Cove. Also another at Shosta Cove. Vitchever you prefer.
by vernon
07 Jun 2008, 21:33
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nothing to do with pianos
Replies: 52
Views: 34725

I get most of my recipes off the web.Erik Satie is also a good source( sauce)
by vernon
07 Jun 2008, 21:21
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nothing to do with pianos
Replies: 52
Views: 34725

thinking of goose 'n sauce pomme
by vernon
07 Jun 2008, 21:18
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nothing to do with pianos
Replies: 52
Views: 34725

Watching Gordan Ramsay- he really has got the gift of the gab.Rieli puts Jamie Oliver in the shade.
by vernon
07 Jun 2008, 21:07
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nothing to do with pianos
Replies: 52
Views: 34725

Let's give it the full monte. Verdi you go after that?
by vernon
07 Jun 2008, 21:04
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nothing to do with pianos
Replies: 52
Views: 34725

un-ravel that
by vernon
07 Jun 2008, 21:03
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nothing to do with pianos
Replies: 52
Views: 34725

celestite
don't overdo the malt whiskies or you will end up completely Brahms and Litzt
For Sunday lunch, we're having poultry. Some sort of roast byrd.
We'll give the scraps to Tibbles debussy.
by vernon
07 Jun 2008, 18:58
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Nothing to do with pianos
Replies: 52
Views: 34725

squid

celestite What sort of husband have you got who "collects"malt whiskies? They're supposed to be drunk. Next time he opens a bottle ( does he ever?) throw away the bottle top as we like to do up here ( N Scotland) BTW, I hadn't realised what a gang of gourmets piano techs are. When I was tr...
by vernon
25 May 2008, 20:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Help with choices - Yamaha tone
Replies: 30
Views: 27997

piano tone

For goodness sake buy a piano whose " tone" you like and don't try fiddling with it after. Tone is all in the head. It's produced not by the resilience of the hammer felt but by the whole animal--case,string quality, scale,hammers , tuning and it's environment. What we hear from a piano is...
by vernon
25 May 2008, 19:57
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: warranty quandary
Replies: 8
Views: 9525

warranty

You've had good advice here above Depending on your insurance cover, go for a replacement.Anything less, if you settle, you will sign a form of disclaimer absolving the insurers of any further liability. In one/two/three years the whole piano may go twang and then you can bin it. In my career I have...
by vernon
11 May 2008, 22:38
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Just bought my piano!
Replies: 2
Views: 4889

mdw

you speak great sense
vernon
by vernon
10 May 2008, 21:20
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Sustain pedal noise in grand piano
Replies: 8
Views: 11264

when dampers go up they hiss. When they come down they thud. Listen to the music not the mechanics.
vernon
by vernon
04 May 2008, 17:23
Forum: Piano History
Topic: Heintzman's Use of Ivory
Replies: 3
Views: 5635

If it is not clear from the details already given( ie can you see the join?) Some ivory keys were in one piece. However, to test, heat a pin red hot and apply it to the " ivory" at the back of the key where it will be hidden under the namesboard.You'll soon see and smell if they are plasti...
by vernon
14 Apr 2008, 21:13
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Tuning lever for old Broadwood and Sons
Replies: 7
Views: 10887

Probably someone has tried to knock in the pins with the noted results. PTFE is a good idea. There is a label under the lid warning against tapping in. Perhaps it is missing. I tune two of these, seperated by 100 miles with a difference of 10 in the serial numbers. Pain in the neck. Loch Ness Pianos...
by vernon
14 Apr 2008, 21:08
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: a question on harmonics
Replies: 3
Views: 5702

any single note has an infinite number of harmonics(partials) Fortunately we don't hear many of them past the 7th. Different people hear different ones. Unfortunately, if you cannot hear the customer's problem you will most likely be branded as incompetent! They will then consult a friend who is an ...
by vernon
11 Apr 2008, 19:47
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buying a piano on a 2-3000 pound budget
Replies: 26
Views: 22604

to be fair, you are unlikely to ever need any major Yamaha parts in the lifetime of either you or your piano. Yamahas get very sniffy about their product, as did Hammond organs and Steinway in the past. That has now all changed and parts for anything are available on the internet .Everyday parts you...
by vernon
07 Apr 2008, 18:56
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buzzes are a pain
Replies: 5
Views: 7434

If it's new it sounds like loose windings. No first aid .get the dealer toinspect and rectify. no ifs or buts.
They won't "settle in"
When we sell pianos, they are carefully checked and tuned before sale and any faults found then. Then re-checked and tuned before delivery.
vernon
by vernon
07 Apr 2008, 18:55
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buzzes are a pain
Replies: 5
Views: 7434

If it's new it sounds like loose windings. No first aid .get the dealer toinspect and rectify. no ifs or buts.
They won't "settle in"
When we sell pianos, they are carefully checked and tuned before sale and any faults found then. Then re-checked and tuned before delivery.
vernon
by vernon
07 Apr 2008, 18:55
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buzzes are a pain
Replies: 5
Views: 7434

If it's new it sounds like loose windings. No first aid .get the dealer toinspect and rectify. no ifs or buts.
They won't "settle in"
When we sell pianos, they are carefully checked and tuned before sale and any faults found then. Then re-checked and tuned before delivery.
vernon
by vernon
06 Apr 2008, 20:47
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buying a piano on a 2-3000 pound budget
Replies: 26
Views: 22604

buzzes are a pain and as mdw says, could be anything.. Leaving aside the bad belly cracks, loose bridge etc., they can be caused in my experience by; loose screw or two in long hinges. a broken bridge pin( broken out of sight.nasty) Loose fillets on backing cloth (older pianos),loose case panels(old...
by vernon
04 Apr 2008, 10:14
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buying a piano on a 2-3000 pound budget
Replies: 26
Views: 22604

agreed
vernon

We could show the United Nations a thing or two
v
by vernon
03 Apr 2008, 21:25
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Mahler; Lindner in disguise?
Replies: 38
Views: 41021

making flanges? Just buy replacement prts. I've plenty!
vernon
by vernon
03 Apr 2008, 21:05
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Buying a piano on a 2-3000 pound budget
Replies: 26
Views: 22604

you'll get a pearl River Yamaha m 125 for £3400
a s/h Yamaha U1 ( a good one !)for £2250 or a new Kawai K2 for £2950
All delivered ex stock

from me
vernon
by vernon
02 Apr 2008, 22:19
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Mahler; Lindner in disguise?
Replies: 38
Views: 41021

nice to hear a reasonade reply
vernon( aged 99)
by vernon
02 Apr 2008, 22:10
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Piano Tuning fees in the UK
Replies: 41
Views: 31871

Advice for young piano tuners; If you are offered refreshment take the following advice; 1)Say " yes please I'll take it now" . Not when you are finished and the table is laid with biscuits and the prospect of an hours 'chat. 2)If you are offered " tea and crumpet," view the poss...
by vernon
02 Apr 2008, 21:46
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Mahler; Lindner in disguise?
Replies: 38
Views: 41021

The Mahler is a Lindner. Just take off the black label on the wrest plank, turn it over and it generally says Lindner!. Mind you they are fine pianos with the wooden keys( ducks behind steel shutters and dons stab-proof kevlar) Lindners were the most forward looking and innovative pianos of the late...
by vernon
25 Mar 2008, 10:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Kemble vs. Irmler
Replies: 29
Views: 24420

piano guy
I think mdw' s reply sums it up nicely.
vernon
by vernon
24 Mar 2008, 23:24
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Kemble vs. Irmler
Replies: 29
Views: 24420

or try;

info@gordonbellpianos.com for a good deal on kembles

vernon
by vernon
24 Mar 2008, 21:54
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Kemble vs. Irmler
Replies: 29
Views: 24420

piano kate

bell pianos will give you a better deal than that. email Gordon on;

gt.bell@btinternet.com
vernon
by vernon
24 Mar 2008, 17:48
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Kemble vs. Irmler
Replies: 29
Views: 24420

piano kate

I agree very cut price pianos can herald an imminent bankruptcy. Some of us are piano dealers as well as technician/tuners so we know both sides of the counter. Incidentaly, we've been around ( at least grandpa etc)selling pianos for 175 years so hope to still be here next year! For around &poun...
by vernon
24 Mar 2008, 13:15
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Valuation for KAPS 6ft Grand Piano 1886
Replies: 11
Views: 13998

were in your part last Nov for a wedding at Cresswell Castle

super area
vernon