Brambach grand damper flange

[McNeilTom@aol.com]

To Arlie, and List -

I can't remember the arrangement of the Brambach underlevers, although I've
worked on several of 'em over the years.  If it's like older Steinways, and
many others, where the lower flange is glued to the tray, you can usually
break the glue joint by prying with a screw driver inserted between two
flanges.  (You might break the wrong one loose, but that's OK.)

After you've done your repair, glue the flange back to the tray.  You will
have to get a little creative to figure a way to hold the part in position
while the glue sets up.  I've often found that a rubber mute or two will do
the job, sometimes in conjunction with propping up the tray.  If you do not
clean off the old glue and splinters from the flange and tray, the part will
align perfectly in its original position.  Hide glue would be best, since
someone, maybe you, might have to get the flange out again years from now.
 Hot hide glue would be quick, but cold will work if it can be left to set
overnight.

Another (inferior) method is to break the flange, splitting it in two through
the wire hole.  This will be easy if you have the right size/shape of cutting
pliers, and adequate working space.  This will liberate the trapped wire
fragment and leave you with the flange to repair.  With luck, this can be
done with a drop of CA glue, all without removing the flange.

  -     Tom McNeil, RPT     -
Vermont Piano Restorations