Janssen info needed.

[Gregory Torres]

Richard,

This is what I would do. Let down the tension, pour marine epoxy into
the cracks &
use higher grade bolts to pull everything together. You can drill some
additional
holes all the way through and add a few more bolts. If memory serves me
there
weren't many screws or bolts there to begin with in the Janssen consoles
and
spinets I have seen. Also, you can put the bolts in from the front and
use big
washers on the back side (to help from crushing and splintering the
wood) and
tighten everything down. Then cut off any excess with a Dremel tool and
cut-off
wheel. It will look better than having them in the front. Marine epoxy
is a good
choice as you can pour it into the cracks and have enough time to pull
everything
together before it sets up. You can get it just about anywhere (Home
Depot, Ace
Hardware, etc.).

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Greg Torres

Richard Moody wrote:

> I recently tuned a Janssen console 116331 (1952) and noticeced a split in
> some parts of the pin block joining or near the frame, looking down from
> the top.  I also noticed that the top bolts seemed to go all the way
> through, so the traditional repair of drilling these all the way through
> is moot. It looks like a carrage bold was used, and the head came in from
> the back, and the nut and a cap nut put in front. (the tuning pin side).
>  I am wondering if this was from the factory.
>         By coincedence the next week I tuned an Everett console.  also from the
> 50's and noticed the same thing. The top plate bolts completely through
> with the threaded end on the tuning pin side. .   I had never seen this on
> an Everett, and I used to tune for a dealer who sold them, perhaps it is
> something I never noticed.   The block to frame seams were solid in this
> case.
>
> As far as the cracks in the Janssen, we are watching.  I don't see how
> they can appear with the plate bolts going all the way through.  Maybe
> it's just wood shrinkage, and NOT the pin block trying to pull away??? The
> piano was at pitch.
>
> comments suggestions ?
>
> Thanks
>
> Richard Moody.