[pianotech] flat v-bar

[Delwin D Fandrich]

It happens from time to time with this type of counterbearing bar. The thing
is made of a fairly heavy brass bar forcibly stamped to shape. Bending the
brass like that often weakened the material at the bend and eventually they
give way. If you look closely at the others you'll probably see a few
hairline cracks on and around the top of the "V." 

 

The solution is to replace the thing. Obviously you're not going to get one
from Baldwin-or whatever is left of the company. The best way to go is to
replace them all with strips of brass half-round that you cut and trim to
length. If you're absolutely must have the original I'll go look; I may have
a few I've not yet thrown away.

 

ddf

 

Delwin D Fandrich

Piano Design & Fabrication

6939 Foothill Court SW, Olympia, Washington 98512 USA

Phone  360.515.0119 - Cell  360.388.6525

del at fandrichpiano.com  <mailto:del at fandrichpiano.com> - ddfandrich at gmail.com

 

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of tnrwim at aol.com
Sent: Friday, March 02, 2012 7:25 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] flat v-bar

 

Yesterday I tuned a Model C Baldwin grand at a church for the first time.
Nice piano, except it needs new hammers. Despite that, I thought I did a
good job. This morning I got a call from the piano player saying that from
d6 on up the piano is way out of tune. Things like that have happened in the
past, and it usually a note here or there that might be slightly off, so I
wasn't too concerned. But I happen to be in the neighborhood, so I stopped
by the church. 

 

>From D6 - G6 it sounded like someone had detuned the piano. C#6 and G#6 were
almost perfectly in tune, but the ones in between were like a fifth or so
off. I looked at the plate, and the hitch pins, but nothing was wrong. When
I started tuning the strings, the pins felt very tight. I stopped after 3
notes, and went to the office and asked if anyone had access to the
sanctuary, and I was assured that no one was in there the night before. I
went back and continue tuning the rest of the notes that were way off. Then
went back and listened to D6 again, and I had to bring it up some more. It
took me about 15 minutes to retune that section.  

 

The sanctuary was a little dark, so I took out my flashlight, and took
another close look. Then I saw it. The V bar had collapsed. Literally. See
the attached picture. I have never seen anything like this in my life.
Anyone?

 

Wim Blees RPT

Hawaii 

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