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Tuning the Stein Way
Topic Started: Feb 27 2009, 07:17 PM (309 Views)
kenny
HOLY CARP!!!
Today UWO finally taught us how Steinway wants their pianos tuned.
I tried it today on a Steinway L grand.

It really sounds good, but it is soooo different from the tuning technique that we have honed on the last 18-zillion pianos.
It really brought out that classic Steinway sound that we all know and love.
This is so exciting.
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plays88keys
Pisa-Carp
You're welcome to come practice on my L any time you want. :D
You can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy.
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kenny
HOLY CARP!!!
Aw shucks Plays. :redface:
I'll bet you say that to all the guys.
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George K
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Finally
Posted Image
:shrug: :shrug: :shrug: :shrug:
A guide to GKSR: Click

"Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... "
- Mik, 6/14/08


Nothing is as effective as homeopathy.

I'd rather listen to an hour of Abba than an hour of The Beatles.
- Klaus, 4/29/18
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kenny
HOLY CARP!!!
George K
Feb 27 2009, 07:27 PM
Posted Image
:shrug: :shrug: :shrug: :shrug:
:shrug:
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TomK
HOLY CARP!!!
Hey kenny.

You are a DUMB ASS!!!!

(kenny can't hear me.)

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George K
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Finally
kenny
Feb 27 2009, 07:57 PM
George K
Feb 27 2009, 07:27 PM
Posted Image
:shrug: :shrug: :shrug: :shrug:
:shrug:
Ben Stein, Kenny.
Teaching the Stein Way in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."
A guide to GKSR: Click

"Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... "
- Mik, 6/14/08


Nothing is as effective as homeopathy.

I'd rather listen to an hour of Abba than an hour of The Beatles.
- Klaus, 4/29/18
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kenny
HOLY CARP!!!
:doh:
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Rainman
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Fulla-Carp
Kenny, what is the "Steinway" difference?

Of course at this point, you will need to dumb it down for the rest of us, but how is the process or temperament different?
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Phlebas
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Bull-Carp
TomK
Feb 27 2009, 07:59 PM
Hey kenny.

You are a DUMB ASS!!!!

(kenny can't hear me.)

Now he can. :tongue:
Random FML: Today, I was fired by my boss in front of my coworkers. It would have been nice if I could have left the building before they started celebrating. FML

The founding of the bulk of the world's nation states post 1914 is based on self-defined nationalisms. The bulk of those national movements involve territory that was ethnically mixed. The foundation of many of those nation states involved population movements in the aftermath. When the only one that is repeatedly held up as unjust and unjustifiable is the Zionist project, the term anti-semitism may very well be appropriate. - P*D


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kenny
HOLY CARP!!!
Rainman
Feb 27 2009, 10:35 PM
Kenny, what is the "Steinway" difference?

Of course at this point, you will need to dumb it down for the rest of us, but how is the process or temperament different?
The most noticeable result of the "Stein Way" (Kenny-trademarked term) is a wider stretch.
This means the treble will be more sharp and the bass more flat compared to shooting for beatless octaves.
Of course this deviation from more conventional equal temperament must be gradual and consistent over the scale.

Even when playing just in the center of the keyboard I could hear a difference after tuning the "Stein Way".
To me it has a more energetic and perhaps agitated sound.
It sizzled and jumped out more.
This is from the intervals beating faster than we are used to hearing on a straight up equal temperament.
Whether this is more or less desirable is a matter of opinion, but the difference in sound IS profound.
Anyone listening will hear it.

Besides the Steinway factor, as a tuner we should remain alert to signs of how much tuning stretch each customer may prefer.
They may not be aware of it or able to articulate it, but some will prefer more or less stretch.
They will not know why but when you leave they may love or dislike your tuning, even if you did an excellent job.
Amount of tuning stretch is not absolute, it is relative.

An important part of being a tech is effectively dealing with people who do not share your depth of understanding.
People will like or not like your tuning though they will not know why, so you either will be called to tune their piano next time or not.
The amount of stretch you used may be why.


The older client who plays only classical, especially on a Steinway, is more likely to be displeased if you tune their piano for beatless octaves, which results in less stretch.
German pianos are said to be designed for and sound better with a more equal temperament, or less stretch.

This is a fascinating subject and sure to ignite flame wars among even the best-informed techs.
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brenda
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..............
Kenny, can that type of tuning be used on any piano or just certain types?
“Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
~A.A. Milne
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kenny
HOLY CARP!!!
Any type of tuning can be used on any piano.
But one opinion I have heard is that the stretch Steinway recommends may sound unpleasant and excessive for German pianos - something about their tonal quality.

This subject brings up passionate arguments among those in the industry.
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