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I have been offered a piano that seems to be in good shape - for its age - but is below pitch about 1.5 semitones. The owners estimate it was last tuned about 20 years ago. What are the chances it could be brought up to pitch with no problems?

Here are the particulars: It is a Conway upright, about 1930. The harp, soundboard, bridges, pinblock, pins and strings appear to be fine. Several dampers and jacks are broken. The bridle straps have been replaced.

Have a technician give it a physical. By that I mean a full inspection with attention to the tuning pin torque. Pins with less than 48 inch lbs of torque are subject to slipping. There are also other issues to be considered such as rust on the strings, bridge and soundboard cracks, hammer and damper felt condition, state of regulation. Dampers and jacks need to be repaired and adjusted so that will cost you. You also need to factor in the cost of a move. Have the inspection done BEFORE moving it.

Assuming all checks out it will need several pitch raises before a fine tuning can be done.

It will definitely need 2-3 tunings before it will be stable enough to hold the 20 or so tons of string tension that standard pitch will exert on its frame. Very likely to break at least a few strings. Anything is possible, but if I were you, I would have it tuned before spending money on the move. At least that way you will know before the moving expense what else is involved. But won't the moving knock it out of tune again? Yes, of course, but it will need 2 or 3 separate tunings anyway. Cut your risk by tuning it where it is. Worst case scenario: you will be out the cost of a tuning, not the cost of a move and a tuning.....Sam

pitch raise and tune, should not be any major problems. maybe some regulation. The next tuning would be sooner than later. depends on what use you expect of it. Children or accomplished pianist???are you paying for this piano or getting it for free. good luck

I did not see the other posts while I was writing but I agree totally to have it tuned before buying it.

I think I'll go back to bed, if several jacks and dampers are broken it will cost you. Sorry, I'll try to read more attentively.

I have to question why dampers and jacks are broken. If it's because the wood has become brittle and weak then I am highly suspect of pinblock and bridges, for they are made of wood that has been subject to the same conditions as the dampers and jacks. I would be concerned with pinblock torque and bridges especially in the bass and high treble. There could be hairline cracks that open up once all that extra string tension is added.

If the dampers and jacks came apart because the glue joints failed, then I am very concerned with soundboard ribs that could come loose and other glue-joint related failures.

Regards,

Rick Clark

Don't rush into this. There are lots of old uprights available for the same price, even if it is free. I would look for one in better shape.

I agree with the posts urging caution. In my experience, twenty years is too short a time for the pitch to fall by 1.5 semitones, and I wonder if the "last tuning" was not to pitch. And then I would wonder why.
You probably did this when you looked at it, but I have to put my nose right up to the bridge to check for hairline cracks at the bridge pins -- and if I see them I always advise against the "free piano" --
There's a better piano out there --

Thank you everyone for your expert advice. This is my first time here - you people are very helpful!

I'm going to be cautious with this one, as you all advised. The owners tell me they acquired the instrument in the same way about twenty years ago. It was a "free" piano to them, they had some repairs done and an initial tuning done, but didn't follow up on additional tunings recommended by the tuner. I am thinking it might have been below pitch at that time and the tuner recommended bringing it back to pitch with several tunings. The owners tell me they spoke to the tuner recently and he remembers the piano. I've been trying to get in touch with him to see what he can tell me.

It doesn't appear any attempt has been made to tighten loose pins - no goop around the pins and no pins driven into the block.

The broken dampers are in a group of four notes right next to one another. That raises my suspicion that someone was fooling with the action and bumped those dampers.

Thanks again!

Thank you everyone for your expert advice. This is my first time here - you people are very helpful!

I'm going to be cautious with this one, as you all advised. The owners tell me they acquired the instrument in the same way about twenty years ago. It was a "free" piano to them, they had some repairs done and an initial tuning done, but didn't follow up on additional tunings recommended by the tuner. I am thinking it might have been below pitch at that time and the tuner recommended bringing it back to pitch with several tunings. The owners tell me they spoke to the tuner recently and he remembers the piano. I've been trying to get in touch with him to see what he can tell me.

It doesn't appear any attempt has been made to tighten loose pins - no goop around the pins and no pins driven into the block.

The broken dampers are in a group of four notes right next to one another. That raises my suspicion that someone was fooling with the action and bumped those dampers.

Thanks again!