Help, URGENT!

[Tunrboy@aol.com]

I have just encountered my first piano with a cracked plate.  My
questions are 1) just how dangerous is this (the piano is still under
tenstion, but has not been tuned for awhile or has not been able to hold
pitch); 2) what should I do; 3) is there any viable repair; and 4) the
piano is a Schnabel, so is it at all reasonable to search for a
replacement plate?

Okay, here's the deal.  This message is not to leave this forum.
I bought a Kawai GM-1 a year ago that had a cracked plate in the treble plate
strut.  I bought the piano for a song from my boss because Kawai wanted to
ship me a new plate, restring, etc.  I hired a welder.  for $85 he heliarc
welded the plate and after 3-4 tunings the piano was better than ever.  I've
had it in my home now for a year and I love it, it is stable, it is safe, and
it is a viable repair.  I should also note that the piano was not destrung,
just the action removed and trays placed under the soundboard to catch the
flying hot embers.
Ray Chandler sent me some bronzing powder for the repair, but I haven't used
it, it looks like a badge of courage.
If you feel the piano is not worth the time, expense of repair, best to tune
it where its at.  I've tuned a couple pianos with cracked plates  (one is a
yearly customer).  I'm not crazy about the idea of the implosion -which is
possible, the odds are it won't do anything so drastic.  (We hope.)

Eric Leatha
tunrboy@aol.com