Soundboard cracks under long bridge

[Greg Newell]

Ron,
         Shims are impossible due to the lack of any straight lines in the 
crack. Unfortunately the crack does go underneath the bridge and the bridge 
in that area is somewhat separated from the board as well. Epoxy will be 
the method used and I was concerned with how to clamp it. Jon page sent me 
some photos of the "I" beam system he uses which I believe will work well. 
Thanks for your help.

Greg



At 08:36 AM 3/25/2005, you wrote:
>>Dear list members,
>>         I am faced with a dilemma and would appreciate your advice once 
>> again. I am refinishing a 61" Howard grand and re-stringing with a new 
>> block. After strings were removed and the piano sat in the shop for a 
>> time a soundboard crack appeared which migrates under a crook in the 
>> long bridge. This could have already been there but not as prominent as 
>> it is now. I'd like to  try and repair this but I question how to go 
>> about it. I've tried removing the buttons and screws that attach the 
>> long bridge to the soundboard hoping that the glue would be loose enough 
>> to crack it free and pivot it out of the way in order to make the 
>> repair. (There's one screw way high up in the treble that I just can't 
>> get at for love nor money.) There is not enough money to replace the 
>> board and bridges but it seems that the crack will need to be addressed 
>> before it goes out. Also, in one area of the crack that goes beneath the 
>> long bridge the soundboard is disconnected from the bridge too, 
>> naturally. :-( Any advice?
>>Greg Newell
>
>Yes, don't even try to remove the bridge. Glue the panel back to ribs and 
>bridge as necessary and as possible with whatever works for you (Titebond, 
>in my case). With a shimming tool, by hand (forget router jigs - cracks 
>are too often not straight) "V" out the crack right up to the bridge. 
>Spruce shims or epoxy will then fill the crack right up to the bridge. At 
>this point, it's only a cosmetic repair anyway, so just try to make it 
>look like you were there and meant it. Don't worry about a crack that 
>might pass under the bridge. If there is one, you'll never hear from it.
>Ron N
>_______________________________________________
>pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives

Greg Newell
Greg's piano Forté
mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net