Split treble bridge

[Thomas D. Seay, III]

>This is my first post to the group.  I've been a guild member for seven
>years and just recently completed the tests to upgrade from Associate to
>Registered Technician. (Whew!).  Have been in the Chem. Dept. (SUNY
>Oswego) for 13 yrs. as the Instrument Specialist (Electronics, test
>equipment, etc.).  With pianos, I rebuild about 2 players/reproducers per
>yr. and about 25 hrs. per wk. tunings, reconditioning, regulations, etc.
>Last month I was pitch raising a 4 yr. old (relatively new) vertical
>piano and found the top 4 treble notes would not tune.  Then I noticed a
>bridge split about 3 inches long which runs along the top (speaking
>length) bridge pins and extends virtually to the bottom of the bridge.
>About 8 of the pins also fell out.  The factory and dealer both want me
>to repair it (versus replacement).  Any journal articles I've seen on
>this usually mention that such a repair may not be permanent.  The
>factory prefers a good epoxy and the dealer suggested a good CA glue, so
>I assume I must use the epoxy (long cure-time West or Duro?).  The bridge
>is solid (not capped).  The part which split appears to have also warped
>since the split is at least 3/16" wide on the treble end; and the break
>was not "clean", as it has many splinters.  My concern also is how long
>such a repair might last.  Thanks for any advice or article references.
>Fred Scoles

Fred,

Welcome to the pianotech forum. Glad to have you aboard!

In reference to your problem, I'm not surprised that the factory and dealer
want you to try to repair  the piano onsite.  Isn't the piano covered by a
manufacturer's warranty?  It can be repaired, of course, and yes, the
results might be satisfactory, but shouldn't the manufacturer make it good?

The bottom line is that if things go badly, you will most likely be the one
left out on the limb. Don't put yourself in that position. If I were you, I
would refuse to do the the work and  insist on the piano going back to the
factory to be repaired at their time and expense (and not yours).

Best of luck!


Tom Seay
School of Music
The Unversity of Texas at Austin

t.seay@mail.utexas.edu