Dear Doctor, Can my ailments be fixed?, Yours, Tired Challen

[Yetty]

It’s time that my well used 1930’s baby Challen receives a tune. Fortunately I’ve identified the tuner / technician who tunes the pianos at the local classical concert venue on the Suffolk coast. I hope he will visit soon. A couple of quick questions:

1) When played softly and whilst held, one of the middle notes makes an annoying second strike after about a second. Is there any specific work I could ask the tuner to do to remedy the problem?

2) Some of my piano keys are difficult to play softly as they do not strike evenly to equal touch. I suspect this is wear and tear. Are there of any ‘quick wins’ I can ask for with regard to give some improvement, or do these not exist?




There are four boxes to be used in defence of liberty: soap, ballot, jury and ammo. Please use in that order - Ed Howdershelt

[Barrie Heaton]

The first problem sound like lost motion and if it is the second problem will also improve with regulating - sound like your piano is in need of a good service as well as a tuning

Most worn grand’s if you are not replacing parts take about 3 - 4 hours to regulate if all goes well


Barrie,

[Yetty]

Barry, thanks, your comments provide much needed guidence!

Does regulation normally take place at the customers home?

I shall now have a 'surf' to better understand what regulation consists of, and how the benefits might be felt when playing.

Has anyone on the forum had their 'well used' piano regulated that resulted in particularly noticable improvements, or otherwise?

[Barrie Heaton]

See the FAQ on regulating
http://www.uk-piano.org/piano-forums/piano835.html

Yes it is done on site on most pianos regulating when done correct can make a world of a difference