[pianotech] Brass rail

[John Ross]

If the butts are being replaced anyway.
Have you thought on doing away with the rail.
Just buy the butts and flanges.
I want to do that if I ever have to do one again.
Then you will have eliminated the problem.
I am thinking that Asian type butts, with the slot, and just use a  
piece of music wire for alignment.
Then the butts will be vertically correct, and your only worry will be  
the spacing.
Use the old rail as a template for the spacing.
You will probably have to plug some of the holes that the rail  
securing screws occupied.
So if the first one is positioned correct, for each section, then the  
spacing will be correct.
I haven't done one, and sometimes ideas don't work out.
Has anyone done this change?
Can anyone see any flaw in my thinking?
John Ross


On 26-May-10, at 1:45 PM, Barb Nobbe wrote:

> 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