opinion on used pleyel

Hi Luke

I am responding to the questions in order.

1) if by "getting hands on it" you mean a mechanical intervention, you can call the technician immediately.

If instead we are talking about tuning, wait 2/3 weeks. (Tuning requires that the mechanics function correctly)

2) a semitone detuning is a lot if the standard is A 440.

First, the tuning standard for that pf must be understood

3) if some hammers remain on the strings, it depends on poor regulation of the mechanism.

4) if it is difficult to achieve pp, it depends on the regulation of the escapement.

It is necessary to bring the escapement point closer.

5) if some strings sound after releasing the key, it depends on the poor functioning of the dampers.

The image showing the pedals gives the impression that there is rust on them.

Did I see correctly?

The image of the 5 dampers highlights rust on the strings and damper felts that need to be replaced.

Tuner in Tuscany

www.pianoaccordatore.it

Thank you James for your response.

I wanted to ask you: how can I find out the frequency for which the piano was designed? That is, if I bring it to 440, could I risk damaging it? Actually, it seems strange to me that everything is consistently out of tune by a semitone...

In reality, since I don't have great ambitions as a pianist, I would limit myself to tuning it and resolving, if possible, those most obvious defects (e.g., felts). Does the rust on the strings compromise the sound?

The pins shouldn't be rusted.

The escapement adjustments you are talking about, are they expensive from an economic point of view?

Thank you for your precious indications.

Luke

Most pianos manufactured between the late 1800s and 1920 were designed to be tuned to the old pitch standard of A=435 Hz

Rust on the strings compromises the sound and can cause "false beats," which is a beat within a single string that cannot be eliminated through tuning.

In a video, Pianoexpert recommends changing the entire plate every 10/15 years.

We are also awaiting the opinion of Pianoexpert . . .

If you are sure it is tuned a semitone flat, then you are well below even the 435 reference. Compared to the 440 Hz reference, one semitone below results in a pitch of 415 Hz in terms of frequency. I remind you, in fact, that a 435 Hz reference compared to 440 Hz involves a difference of about 19 cents (100 cents is equivalent to a semitone).

Sorry, I am replying to you privately because the post reply function isn't working for me. Tuning after one month. Point 3: it probably depends on the regulation of the escapement point. Point 4: Always regulation... but check the frictions. Point 5: dampers need to be changed. The piano needs the eye of a skilled technician. The action needs to be overhauled and the cost quantified. The white strings have a lot of rust. The hammers? How are they? If they are original, they must be replaced along with all the quills AND THE OLD ONES MUST BE RETURNED!!!!!! The soundboard seems to be in good condition to me. The intervention can be expensive if complete. Otherwise, one could consider doing the bare minimum... but in this case, too few results are achieved.

Regarding false beats, they can indeed occur with rusted strings, but they mainly originate from the bridge. When the bridge pins are not perfectly seated on the inclined "cut" of the bridge itself, it is as if two different lengths are vibrating: one from the nut to the bridge and another from the cut to the nut, naturally offset by a minimal difference in length.

Thank you all.

I wanted to ask you one more thing: I noticed that all the keys (the keyboard is not original) contain a small metallic disc/circle (?), photo attached. These components are adjacent to each other and sometimes create a bit of friction between the keys. Do you have any idea how they should be treated/cleaned?

Thank you.

Luke

They are lead weights used for key weighting.

Usually, they are placed in that spot to counterbalance the replacement of the hammer rail.

If some are rubbing against each other, it must be understood whether they have loosened or if instead the position of the keys needs to be adjusted through the front pins.

Tuning in Tuscany

www.pianoaccordatore.it

Generally, friction does occur, yes, due to the loosening of the key bushings which causes them to wobble left and right with too much play... but after a long time, lead oxidation also plays a role, which swells and therefore causes the "round pins" to touch each other at the slightest movement. Either filing down or replacement is needed.