At 09:21 PM 01/07/2001 -0500, you wrote: >I'm ready to take on the challenge of installing my very first block. As luck >would have it, it's a Mason & Hamlin "B". I need some questions answered from >those of you who are in the know: > >1. What's a forgiving block material for a first-timer? I've heard that a >lower-ply maple block works best and am considering Bolduc. >2. I know that the Bolduc calls for a .250" bit. Does that sound right to >those who have experience with the Bolduc? >3. Is removal of the old block going to be an operation similar to a >Steinway? I've watched Steinway blocks being removed so have a basic >knowledge of what to expect. >4. What is the approximate location of dowels for a "B" at either end and on >the stretcher and how many should I expect? > >Thanks PROFUSELY from an RPT with 28 years of experience who is looking >forward to doing blocks. Any help is GREATLY appreciated. > >Donn Young, RPT >Devon, PA I would seek hands-on help to guide you through the steps required to remove and fit the block. Things like: checking bearing, crown, block registering within the case (drilling guide holes through the plate into the block), fitting the flange, fitting the block to the case, drilling the screw holes, drilling the tuning pin holes, resetting bearing, bridge pins, plate spraying, felt application. The multiple times of installing and removing the plate without damaging the rim or finish. There is tidy way to refelt the tenor & bass counter-bearing, find out how. Look at someone's restringing job, if the felt does not look like the factory install (or better) don't ask them how to do it, seek another source. Don't make newbie errors on a piano of this caliber. Get a few other lesser pianos under your belt, especially if it is a customer's piano. Help another tech to install a block on some of their jobs. Or help that tech replace the block in the M&H. Get experience first. Heck, it'll probably take five block installations for you to figure out the pitfalls and feel secure with your work knowing the results of each procedure. A working knowledge is accumulated through practical experience, practical experience is sometimes learned the hard way. Welcome to the world of 'rebuilding' but don't have the hopeful idea that 28 years experience with tuning and other repairs has prepared you to single-handedly take on a job of this magnitude. I'm sure you don't want your finished product to be less than stellar. If Bolduc or someone similar has an instructional video you may get by if you are mechanically adept but nothing beats hands-on experience. I have seen too many 'good attempts' by well wishing piano guys to endorse your running head long into the battle without combat training. Be prepared, Jon Page, piano technician Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass. mailto:jonpage@mediaone.net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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