straws, anyone?

[Clyde Hollinger]

Friends,

Some piano technicians think straw repairs are substandard.  I use them when
the piano is of low value and when I think the repair is likely to last for
some years.  However, I do not guarantee this repair and usually inform the
client.  If you don't and it breaks again, you'll probably have to install a
new shank without charge, and I don't like to do that.  I tell them it's worth
a try because about 90% of them last indefinitely, and the cost to them is
about 20% of putting in a new shank.

Regards, Clyde

Ron Koval wrote:

> Hi everyone
>
> In case you never heard about the straw trick, (or forgot you heard about
> it) I got to use it tonight on a little spinet piano.  Customer called ...
> "Can you fix broken keys, too?"
>
> Yup, a broken hammershank, with the piece jamming up a bunch of notes.
>
> So..... since I keep a selection of short pieces of drinking straws in my
> kit, it was just a matter of dry fitting for the right size, spreading glue
> on, sliding a short piece of straw over the shank and pressing it in place.
> SHAZZAM! repair complete
>
> (works best with the long splits along the grain of the shank)
>
> just doing my bit to keep this technical :)
>
> Ron Koval
> Chicagoland
> _________________________________________________________________
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