Kenneth Sloane wrote: >>... Unlike Steinway, who molds the inner rim with the outer at the same time in one huge press, most manufacturers (and probably Samick) construct an inner rim separate from the outer rim. In the production process, the inner is fit with the belly of the piano -- board and bridges, pin block, and plate -- bearing is set, and then the piano is strung and brought up to pitch. The outer rim is attached later . . .<< I haven't been to Samick's factory, but most manufacturers do NOT string the piano before the outer rim is glued up. The board is glued to the inner rim, the plate and pinblock are fit, the nosebolts are set, the bridges are cut, notched and pinned, then the plate is sent off for finishing. The outer rim is glued up and clamped to the inner rim, then is trimmed and finished. The piano is then strung with the rim all assembled, hopefully as one piece. The only manufacturer I have seen who strings the piano prior to attaching the outer rim is Kimball. There may be others, of course, but this is the only one I know of with certainty who used to make grands in this way. The outer rim in most pianos _should_ be a part of the structure, and this Samick will benefit from a proper repair, especially considering the type of wood used in the rim. Another approach for repairing this I have heard of (from Mark Adams in San Diego) is to drill from the inner rim out, and fasten screws into the outer rim. You can then run (or inject) the epoxy in, apply wood clamps, and insert the screws to ensure a solid structure. Don Mannino 74473.624@compuserve.com
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