[pianotech] Brass rail

[Dave Davis]

An option I prefer is to replace the brass rail, and install 'modern' butts and flanges. I first saw this in a class taught by Bill Spurlock, and I'm pretty sure there is a detailed description on his website. 

I probably just opened myself up for a chapter technical, right Ryan?

Best regards,

Dave Davis, RPT
Renton, WA



-----Original Message-----
From: "Barb Nobbe" <barbara at pitchperfectpianos.com>
Date: Wed, 26 May 2010 16:45:13 
To: PTG<pianotech at ptg.org>
Subject: [pianotech] Brass rail

Hello list, 

I'm working on my very first rebuild that is a 1916 J & C Fischer upright. It went through a fire, but only suffered smoke/soot damage.  My customer is adament about getting it restored and thankfully, the insurance company is paying for the work.  It has a lost motion and sostenuto rail, which I found interesting for an old upright, but from the research I've done and the looks of the piano, this seems to have been a higher quality instrument back in the day. 

My question is this...I know there are companies out there that duplicate the brass rails. So far with my inspections, I don't see any cracks or defects that would lead me to believe this rail is bad, other than age. I do plan on replacing all the tabs and little screws with the rebuild, as it's getting new hammers and butts too,  but I was hoping to save the cost of duplicating the rail. I know OTOH, that brass is a really soft metal and if one of the tabs on the rail breaks off, I've got a nice little headache to have contend with. 

Should I save myself the possible headache, cough up the extra dough out of my budget and go ahead and get a new rail, or would most of you take the chance on keeping the original?  Just curious. Thanks!  


Barbara Nobbe, RPT
Pitch Perfect
859-489-4793
barbara at pitchperfectpianos.com