Fw: New Board and Old Bridges

[Erwinpiano]

Hi Bill

   Almost always I install new caps,BUT if you are careful and juggle your
board thickness and plate elevation sometimes it can be done.  That being
said the possibility for inconsistent  tonal results is high.
 Even with a adjustable plate suspension system
 the bridge height of the old bridge could have enough variation in
elevations thru out its length to prevent the system from having even and
uniform down bearing pressure which could seriously compromise the outcome
of such an extensive project. ( In a BB That is definitely a calculated
risk.  Besides ,seen any good old original caps lately?  I have but, they
are so far and few between.
  The proof of the project is the sound so hey it worked for this rebuilder.
My point is that reusing old bridge caps sets up a narrower set of
parameters that I always find confining.
   The other consideration is will the bridge caps perform for the life of
this now newly made board?  Perhaps this piano is not very old which is
another possibility and the wood perhaps in better condition.

    Dale Erwin





----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Ballard" <yardbird@vermontel.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, April 06, 2001 4:43 AM
Subject: New Board and Old Bridges


> I saw something new this week: a 1923 Mason BB with a new board *and*
> the old bridge caps on the old bridge roots. I'd always assumed that
> the minute tolerances for downbearing ruled out betting on a
> combination of new board and old bridge caps to provide proper
> downbearing. I loved the board, it's bursting with sound. But when
> did we enter this Brave New World where a new board didn't require
> new bridge caps?
>
> Bill Ballard RPT
> NH Chapter, P.T.G.
>
> ".......true more in general than specifically"
>      ...........Lenny Bruce, spoofing a radio discussion of the Hebrew
> roots of Calypso music
> +++++++++++++++++++++