[pianotech] Bass Top Bridge

[Farrell]

I agree with the couple recommendations you've had so far as being excellent 
ways to go. However, if this is a piano in worn condition and there is a 
desire to minimize cost, ANY split bridge can be repair with epoxy with very 
good results.

Remove strings (at hitch pin) and bridge pins, wet out the surfaces of the 
split with unthickened West System epoxy, fill gap with West System epoxy 
thickened with their #404 High-Strength Adhesive Filler (thickened like 
peanut butter), smooth cap/epoxy surface, push bridge pins in position, 
smooth surface again, wait for 24 to 48 hour cure, put strings back on.

This procedure can be completed easily in less than two hours. I've done 
this repair many times with complete success. Again, this is my recommended 
approach when cost minimization is strongly desired and when commensurate 
with the condition/value of the piano.

It doesn't matter if the bridge split is an inch wide (and I know it's not 
that wide - is it?), you can repair it with epoxy.

Terry (The Epoxy Man Strikes Again!) Farrell
Farrell Piano, Inc.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marc Lanthier (Piano Lanco)" <info at pianolanco.com>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 5:06 PM
Subject: [pianotech] Bass Top Bridge


> Hi List,
>
> I'm replacing a wood bass top bridge on an old late 1890's upright (the
> plate stops at the pinblock). The bridge split at the upper bass strings.
> Not repairable in my opinion with either epoxy or CA. What wood would you
> recommend using for the replacement? Any suggestions on removal and
> installation of new bridge.
>
> Sorry - no pics....
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> PIANO LANCO
> Marc Lanthier
> 514-770-7438
> 1-877-PIANO10
> info at pianolanco.com
> www.pianolanco.com
>
>
>
>