This article recounts a unique piano tuning experience involving a vintage Bechstein grand piano, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of working with less-than-ideal tools in an unfamiliar setting. The author details the unexpected effectiveness of a budget-friendly Chinese tuning hammer, despite its minor balance issues, emphasizing adaptability and resourcefulness in the field. The focus then shifts to the intricacies of tuning a Bechstein, specifically the difficulties posed by its unique bar construction when using felt wedges.The core of the review centers on the TLA CTS-5 analog tuner, a device praised for its innovative oscilloscope-like display. This analog approach, the author argues, offers distinct advantages over digital counterparts, providing a richer, more nuanced visual representation of tuning accuracy, leading to unparalleled precision, especially when tuning unisons. The article concludes by summarizing the overall success of the tuning session, underscoring the importance of tool selection and adapting techniques to suit the specific characteristics of different piano models.
Pros And Cons
- Analog tuner with no digital processing delay
- Provides subtle visual feedback, allowing for nuanced tuning adjustments
- Highly accurate, enabling confident tuning of unisons individually
Read more: 5-Piece Piano Tuning Kit with Tuning Fork
Tuning a Vintage Bechstein Piano
I recently had the opportunity to tune a beautiful vintage Bechstein piano. The experience was unique due to my location; I was not at home and thus had limited tools available.
I relied on a surprisingly effective inexpensive Chinese tuning hammer, a tool I usually keep in France. Initially, I wasn't completely satisfied with its balance, but it performed admirably on this particular piano.
The Challenge of Bechstein's Unique Construction
Bechstein pianos present a unique challenge when it comes to using felt wedges for tuning. Unlike many other grand pianos, the Bechstein's bar construction prevents easy access and visibility when placing the wedges.
This design necessitates a different approach to tuning, making the use of alternative methods necessary. The lack of clear visual access makes precise wedge placement more difficult.
The TLA CTS-5 Analog Tuner: A Detailed Look
One of the most interesting aspects of this tuning session was the use of the TLA CTS-5 analog tuner. Its unique LED display, resembling an oscilloscope, provides a visual representation of the tuning process.
The display shows two complete cycles, with a line representing the second harmonic. The position of this line indicates the tuning accuracy; deviations show whether the note is sharp or flat.
Advantages of Analog Tuning
The TLA CTS-5's analog nature offers distinct advantages over digital tuners. There's no processing delay, allowing for a more immediate and responsive tuning experience.
Moreover, the analog display provides a nuanced visual representation of the tuning, revealing subtle inaccuracies that might be missed on a simple digital display. This allows for a level of precision not always possible with digital tools.
Conclusion: Tool Performance and Recommendations
The inexpensive Chinese tuning hammer proved surprisingly effective for this job, though its balance could be improved. The TLA CTS-5 analog tuner is highly recommended for its accuracy and the detailed visual feedback it provides, enabling precise tuning even for unisons.
While felt wedges were challenging to use on this particular piano due to its construction, the overall tuning experience was successful, demonstrating the importance of adapting to different piano designs and utilizing the right tools for the task.
