A local dealer has a customer with a Yamaha U1, new in 1985. Since new, bass bichord strings have been breaking while playing. So frequent, that all were replaced under warranty at that time. Strings still continued to break and even now, about every sixth time its played, a string breaks. They typically break between the tuning pin and pressure bar, leaving a 1" stub. The player admits he is vigorous, though I have not seen him play. Suggestions made: Voicing, softer hammers, heavier strings, deregulation, player exceeding piano's limits. Any thoughts?
PNO2NER

perhaps too much sustain pedal. I have heard that bass vibrating strings can increase when played hard in succession without damping and snap.

Also there are " LOWER TENSION" bass string sets available from Mapes Piano Strings in Elizebethton, Tenn. Cost is about $180 but they do work a little better. Let me ask you a TOUCHY question. Is this piano being played by a black person who really plays hard. If so get bact to me.......

Increase let-off, mic piano and put loudspeaker next to pianist's ear