----- Original Message ----- From: Piano Services Tech Dept <TechDept@pianoservices.com> To: <pianotech@ptg.org> Sent: July 01, 2000 7:05 AM Subject: Cracked Plate > Dear List, > > I went to tune a customer's G. Steck grand piano that had been in storage > on it's side for about a year. The place was air conditioned where the piano > was stored and the piano was close to pitch. When I went to tune it I > noticed a vertical crack in the middle of the support strut at the mid- high > treble range of the piano. The crack goes from the top to the middle of the > strut and stops. Is it possible for the plate to crack while the piano is > resting on its side for extended periods? > > > Thanks, > > Ed Mashburn, RPT > --------------------------------------------------------------- Storing the piano on its side will not cause the plate to crack. Dropping the piano or otherwise mis-handling it might. You might want to check the piano over for any signs of other damage although it will not always be present. I once examined an SD-10 Baldwin that had been dropped a few feet off of a stage onto a concrete floor. It landed on its lid and the top three struts were cracked. The piano had been nicely padded for moving and I could find no signs of case or finish damage resulting from its short -- and unsuccessful -- career as an airplane. But, I'd look anyway. The only other explanations that come to mind are a casting flaw or and error in installation. But, from your description, the latter doesn't seem likely. How old is the piano? Is it a real G. Steck? Those I have seen (at least that I remember) have had fairly substantial plates. If it's a fake, what kind of piano is it? Has it been rebuilt? Etc. Good luck, Del
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC