removing soundboard intact

[Farrell]

What year Everett? I have an old one - about 1900 - it is very well 
constructed.

A crack in a solid bridge - if you are not rescaling (why aren't you doing 
that?) - is likely no big deal. A good epoxy repair can make that bridge as 
good as new - IMHO - no need to duplicate a cracked/broken bridge. Of course 
if you want to improve the string scale (which I highly encourage you to 
do), then sure, let's make you a new bridge - and likely a transition 
bridge. If you remove the bridge from the piano (please don't try to do 
that!!!), I or others could recap it for you. Capping a bridge is not very 
difficult at all - I highly encourage you to take a shot at it.

My basic recommendation would be to do either one of two things. Leave the 
bridge on the soundboard, epoxy repair the bridge and re-cap it OR replace 
the bridge because you are incorporating a new string scale with transition 
bridge, etc.

As to the soundboard. A few cracks? What's that got to do with soundboard 
function? What kind of crown does it have? What are the string bearing data? 
Is there a prominent killer octave? Does the piano have decent power? What's 
the treble like (volume & sustain)? What's the transition from tenor to bass 
like?

Terry Farrell

----- Original Message ----- 
> Ok, for all those with head-cocked-to-the-side disease, here is the
> background:
>
> Out of pure altruism, I donated an Everett grand to our chapter, for the
> purpose of helping everyone learn with some hands on rebuilding
> experience.  Aside from the fact that I have done most of the work, we
> have managed to learn much, but have accumulated a fair amount of cost in
> the process.  We intend to sell the piano when it is finished, and donate
> any profit to the chapter.  Ergo, we are still trying to keep the cost
> down, hence not replacing the soundboard (it has a few cracks, we can
> handle that).  However, the bridges are pretty gnarly.  They are not
> laminated, and at some places have cracked more than 3/4" down.  Add to
> that my nonexistent bridge capping skills, and you have a replacement
> looming on the horizon.  I am open to suggestions, if you want to fire
> away...
>
> Scott
>