I have a 1925 Lyon & Healy (5 ft.) grand in the shop. I have done a preliminary estimate on restringing, new hammers, action reconditioning, etc., but I do not yet have a signed contract with the specifics spelled out. I have been doing some closer inspection of the piano, have concerns about the soundboard, and could use some counsel. The strings are still on, and composite downbearing readings (Fowler guage) from the top note run .004" - .010" in Treble 2; .006" - .009" in Treble 1; .010" - .009" in Tenor. These seem minimal, especially in the top treble, and I will check again after taking off the strings to see how much the board might come up, but maybe I can work with these, especially since I may have to recap the top end of the treble bridge anyway. The bass is the main problem. Top note (28) reads .010". (That's okay.) Middle of bridge is .006", and it ranges .004" - .007" through note 4. THEN, #3 is .000", #2 is -.001", and #1 is -.003". Inspecting board underneath shows all glue joints solid and at least minimal crown except for the low end of the bass bridge. A straight edge will rock at that point directly beside the lowest soundboard button for the bass bridge apron, although there is clearance and "crown" on either side of that spot. Tone in bass is not strong; bass bridge is offset construction; clearance between plate and soundboard at plate screw/post locations is minimal (1/8"). Perhaps I could re-cap the bass bridge to correct downbearing. Could I save this board, and should I even try. My preliminary estimate did not mention replacing the soundboard and was based on a home inspection in a crowded room where getting under the piano was difficult (That's my best excuse. :-)) Counsel welcomed. Criticism accepted. Thanks. Claude Harding -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20111229/241f4cdd/attachment.htm>
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC