Upper back repair

[DaleP34429@aol.com]

In a message dated 97-03-06 18:30:19 EST, you write:

<< I have a couple of questions:

 1. If I just tighten this back up after gluing, how much pitch increase
 will I get?  The piano is just a little flat. Could it be too much?  Do
 I need to release string tension with all that can of worms?

 2. Is there anything else I should check before I start gluing?

 Any help will be greatly appreciated?

 Warren
 --  >>
Dear Warren,

Having done more school pianos with this problem than I care to
remember........
   1) Lower the pitch a half step on the side with the largest crack(bass
end?)
   2) Clamp the block, pull it together without any glue first.
   3) Drill holes, insert carriage bolts from the back, cut to appropriate
lengths (if necessary) Use your own judgement on how many screws to replace
w/bolts. We usually replace as many in the area of the pinblock & backpost
that are accessible.
   4) Release the clamps, use compressed air to blow any chips out of the
crack
   5) Insert the glue(we use aliphatic resin) Have wet rag handy!
   6) Tighten pipe clamps, then put washers and nuts on bolts and tighten.
   7) Let dry overnight, take clamps off, break out bourbon and branch
water(not for  the flanges!)
   8) P.S. We have clamps in the shop that were bent pulling a back together.
Inspect crack for obstructions! Sometimes might does not make tight!


Regards,

Dale Probst and Elizabeth Ward
Registered Piano Technicians
Ward & Probst, Inc.
PIano & Organ Service
Wichita Falls, TX

Orlando Bound, summer '97