Chickering console

[Dean May]

Richard- 

 

You should be able to pull off that last dozen or so whippens in about 5
minutes. Don't be afraid. Pulling and reinstalling the whippens will be the
least time consuming part of the project and will probably save time wasted
in working around them if you leave them on. 

 

To make sure the problem doesn't return- make sure there isn't too much
travel on the pedal lifting the dampers too far. I think you want the
dampers off the strings just far enough that they don't wink when you play
the keys. 

 

Dean

Dean May             cell 812.239.3359 

PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272 

Terre Haute IN  47802

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From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Richard Morgan
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 11:19 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Chickering console

 

Here's an interesting problem:  a 1958-59 Chickering console presented with
a non-functioning sustain pedal.  Upon opening the piano, I noticed the
right-hand side of the action would rise when the pedal was pressed.
Removing the action revealed that the sticker/action rail was split,
probably for about 10 inches, and probably (according to the church's choir
director) from too-aggressive pedalling.

 

Without removing dampers/wippens for better access, I think I can inject
(very carefully, to avoid squeeze-out!) into the length of the split, use a
c-clamp around the top of the rail and the wippen flanges (again, very
carefully, to close the split without putting too much pressure on, and
perhaps using a paint stick or some such between the clamp and the wippen
flanges to distribute the pressure), then use a 4x3/4 screw in the available
right end, to mechanically close the split, along with the glue.  I wish
there were room to put in another screw. . .

 

Without removing parts, which I don't really want to do, and which would
turn it into a bigger job than the church will be willing to contemplate (or
am I being foolish?), this is all I can come up with.  The choir director is
really interested in buying a grand for the sanctuary, so is not really
interested in spending much.  Otherwise this piano is in really good
condition, and seems like a pretty decent specimen.

 

So, what do you think?  Will this be an effective repair?  Should I just
bite the bullet and take some parts off for better access?  What would be
the prognosis for any kind of repair for this problem?  

 

I'm thinking of charging for a 3-4 hour job, including today's visit.

 

Thanks for your advice.

 

Richard Morgan

 

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