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Member
Member
Hello; before purchasing a used upright piano, are there any practical ways to understand if it will hold its tuning in the future?
Can the fact that the pins are in excellent condition and free of rust on an instrument that is 45 years old be considered a good guarantee?
Moderator
The hardness of the wrestplugs must be tested with a key. The vibration angle of the strings on the bridge must also be verified. This ensures that the bridges do not sink excessively into the soundboard. The wrestplugs may have been cleaned and "beautified." This also applies to the strings. After this time, or even before, the strings should be replaced... at least those in the singing range. In any case, even spun strings may have lost much resonance. And the hammers? Have they been shaved? And how? Check: never rounded in the treble!!!! Hammers, even if shaved and apparently "renewed," lose elasticity and energy after many years and must be replaced. Take these restorations into account in the price.
Member
Thank you very much pianoexpert for the answer.
Do you think replacing all those components is mandatory even if the piano has often remained unused over the years?
Do you believe it is therefore absolutely to be ruled out that the components have been well preserved and that it will only be necessary to tune the piano several times, and gradually, in the short term to bring it back to optimal condition?
Moderator
Almost certainly, intervention is needed after many years. Tuning several times, agreed, but always ensuring the stability of the pins.
