Fallboard Lead

[David ilvedson]

List,

I tuned a couple of days ago for a lady who was having a bad 
buzz/rattle.  I typically tap/pat around the piano looking for 
something loose.  When I removed the fallboard and patted it I 
heard that sound of something loose.  It was the metal bars 
screwed into the bottom of the fallboard.  I tighten the screws 
but the rattle was still there.  I advised we remove it and see 
for sure that it was the problem.  I soon found out it was made 
of lead and then I began to wonder what its purpose was?  I 
thought it was steel plates to help prevent warping of the 
fallboard...Wrong!  Was the lead for counterbalance with 
fallboard?  To help keep it from falling on fingers?  Well the 
rattle was gone and the fallboard worked fine and didn't seem to 
want to fall on the hands.  Question...Should I have pounded the 
lead to get rid of the rattle?  Very soft and malleable!  

Thanks in advance...

David ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA