Hello everyone, I have a Pleyel grand piano from 1869. (Straight strings).
Measuring two of the strings in the super high register with calipers (thanks to the fact that they were broken), they turn out to be no. 14 or 14 and 1/2 (I don't remember exactly at the moment).
On the other hand, near the tuning pins, there are numbers written, and those same broken strings should be number 13, according to the marker writing.
Which of the two indications should be trusted in case of restringing, in your opinion?
The strings are very rusty anyway, as are the tuning pins; in my opinion, they were replaced many decades ago... What do you think?
For the moment I have filed the key weights (they were extremely oxidized and completely blocked the keyboard!), which is perfectly functional and playable. A miracle... While the tuning is non-existent, it is a tone low and completely out of whack... One must attempt to tune it.
I will enrich the post with photos soon... In the meantime, thanks in advance!
Generally, the diameters are written down. It is also important to check the load of the soundboard and determine which diameters and length of pins to use
Generally, the diameters are written down. It is also important to check the tension of the soundboard and determine which diameters and pin lengths to use
Thank you. As far as tuning is concerned, I have flattened it where necessary, i.e., one tone lower. The tuning pins are hard to turn and they hold.
I also tried to tune one directly to 4.35 but it broke.
If I were to raise it gradually, would there be a possibility of preserving both the strings and the pins?
