separated back

[Jon Page]

At 06:51 AM 10/11/2000 -0400, you wrote:
>Friends,
>
>Today I am going to look at a piano I might obtain and repair.  It is a
>1947 Cable console with a separated back, a gap of about 1/2 inch, and
>it has an aluminum plate.  I tuned this piano a couple times 5-6 years
>ago.  Not being very observant, I guess, I didn't notice the separation
>until the third time I went to tune; it had wood veneer glued across the
>top.  If I recall correctly, it's a pretty little thing, a shame to
>discard, but Cable pianos aren't rated very high in my mind.
>
>I've repaired back separations several times, with good success, but
>never one with such a large separation.  What are my chances of pulling
>this gap together without the aluminum plate cracking?  Should I even
>attempt it?  Input appreciated.
>
>Regards,
>Clyde Hollinger, RPT

There is always a possibility but the probability is low. Aluminium is more 
flexible
than cast iron (seems to me).

I would lower the tension a least a half tone because it will gain about 
that during the repair.

Go for it,

Jon Page,   piano technician
Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass.
mailto:jonpage@mediaone.net
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