In a message dated 97-12-15 00:53:55 EST, you write: << Regarding letting the tension down... I found a Kimball upright with the plate separating from the back. I drilled through the plate screw holes all the way out the back, and put bolts and nuts to clamp it all together. I didn't reduce tension further because the whole thing was over 100cts flat to begin with, probably because of the plate separation. I did it carefully though, because of ADDING the new tension when tightening it up. This isn't really a crack repair requiring adhesive, so I didn't add anything to the mix, just better 'clamps' than the original lag screws. Brad Smith, RPT Manchester, NH - >> Brad, This happened to me as well. When I clamped the pinblock back together, the piano raised to A-440! A fast pitch raise. In another circumstance, I found a piano a whole tone flat. I check everything, the bearing, plate bolts, etc., and proceeded to tune. I was able to get it tuned to A-440, and came back in 3 months to tune it again. I then noticed the pinblock leaning towards me. I did not tune this time. My client did not blame me, was very understanding because he wanted me to tune it at his own risk. I explained what I would have to do and he listened very well. So well that he called me later and said he went ahead and did the repair and said it needed tuning. I found it piano a whole tone sharp! Plus the dampers out of regulation. Surprisingly, no strings broke when he did the job. I sure broke a couple when I did the first tuning! Go figure. I learned my lesson. Do not explain too much to the client. He or she may decide to rebuild the piano on their own. Dave Peake, RPT Portland, OR
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