Tuning stability problem/ Gors and Kallman Grand

[Timbo1]

I have looked after this piano for 20 yrs or so. Serial No: 45616, 5ft 2 inches. The middle register tuning varies wildly ( much more than should be expected) according to the time of year. Usually very sharp in summer, and very flat in winter. The tuning pins are tight, and the plank is sound. No apparent cracks in the frame, and generally in good order. It tunes beautifully, very solidly, and I leave confident that it should maintain a solid tuning to A440. but then in a matter of weeks sometimes it is horrendous in the middle again. I am suspecting a basic design fault from new! as this is the second instrument (Gors and Kallman) on my rounds that suffers this problem. My customer says this problem has always been an issue over many years. No apparent problems with heating variations, and the customer assures me that it is kept at an even coolish temperature. Every visit just involves straightening out the middle to the rest, which is pretty rock solid. Has anyone experienced similar problems with these pianos? of similar vintage...I would be interested to know. There are 2 lengthwise wooden braces under side, and one that runs diag. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Barrie Heaton]

Have you been monitoring the Humidity just a small swing of a few % on some grands can make a big difference more so if the lid is left open.

Buy a Digital Humidity reader from ether supply house and get the client to take a reading twice a day most homes in the UK can swing from 35% to 60 % winter to summer depending on the size of room and location North or South facing

A small swing of %5 can put a piano out by 3cents from A440 I visited a C1 today the Humidity was 40% on the last visit in July it was 59% the piano was 10cents flat in the middle first few notes were flat in the bass but the rest were fine same after the treble break. When i go again in July if the Humidity ia up at 59 60% I will recommend a Piano Life saver they do work very well on grands if you fit a blanket



Barrie,

[Timbo1]

Thank you Barrie for this . All noted, and I will monitor the humidity levels in the future. Thanks again.