Cracked plates

[randyr@cuix.pscu.com]

RE: recent discussions about cracked plates.

I have only seen one cracked plate in my thirteen years of experience in
the profession, and that was one that was pointed out to me by the
customer - it had been spotted by the previous technician.  My question
to those of you who have seen more cracks is: is the crack always very
obvious?  In other words, if I am evaluating a piano for someone, should
I spend a good deal of time examining the plate for obvious cracks?
If one is at the piano when it cracks, is it immidiately apparent?
Should one always give a piano a brief lookover for cracks before
tuning?  Just some thoughts that occurred to me - thanks for any
responses.

Randy Rush, RPT