FULL rebuilding evolution/uprights

[Bdshull@AOL.COM]

Roger, Jim,

Of course you have noticed that re-using old strings doesn't insure a good 
comparison test, because just lowering and raising tension on the wire can 
improve tone.  Any change of the placement of the string at the v-bar may 
improve tone.  I believe that the string work-hardens (?) at the v-bar, 
restricting string movement.  Susan Kline's experiments on an SD-10 as she 
described them in the Journal showed what a number of us had already discoved 
through accident (me) or (for some of you) intuition or scientific inquiry.

You had already pointed out, of course, that the PSO 40" pianos receiving the 
repair no doubt regained positive bearing as the result of the back repairs, 
making a major difference beyond the improvement in the back's structural 
integrity (even though related to that returned integrity).

I have to confess the heresy that I have heard enough Steinways with 
pinblocks undoweled at the stretcher which sound incredible.  I like a firm 
stretcher/pinblock joint, but I am not as convinced that it is important for 
tone.  

Bill Shull

In a message dated 9/23/01 2:24:53 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
baldyam@sk.sympatico.ca writes:

<< Hi Ron,
             I have repaired more than a few old verticals with loose spacer
 blocks, and post.  There has been a noticable improvement in tone quality.
 No other work done to strings, and action to act as a variable.   If the
 block is pulling away from the back support, bearing will be effected,
 hence some tone alteration.  Also have noticed tone improvements when
 regluing pinblocks to back assemblies, again using original strings and
 hammers.
   I have seen negative bearing with block separation, and ample crown on
 laminated boards.  Once every thing is solidly back together, the piano is
 stable and  sounding as it should.  Admittedly the pianos have typically
 been the 40" PSO type of consoles.
  I'm sure you have done this type of repair more than once.
 
 Regards Roger >>