spinet repitition problems

[Wallace F. Wilson (WV)]

It seems that before you worry about repetition, it might be prudent to
determine if there is a serious problem with the pimblock.  What makes you
think there is a crack?  If the bottom row of tuning pins seem loose
compared to the others, you may have a split in there.  You also could have
a crack, or a few loose pins that could be dealt with by driving them or
using Bill Spurlock's method of removing the pin & treating with CA glue &
reinserting.   It would be helpful to get more specifics on the problems
you're encountering on the pinblock.  Also, is the pinblock so bad that the
piano cannot be tuned, are there just a few tuning pins that are loose, or
what?  If it can be tuned successfully, then it may not be a problem for the
*customer.*

If you don't know how to remove the action on a spinet, I suggest you avail
yourself of the opportunity to learn ASAP.  One of these times, something
will break in the action of a customer's spinet while you are tuning it, and
there you are.  Might get Art Reblitz' book from Schaff.  Perhaps the local
tech would be willing to show you.  He/she may also want to be paid for
sharing the skill.
You don't indicate if you are a PTG member, so let me put in a plug for the
organization.  Local chapters tend to have regular technical forums with
their meetings.  You can learn a lot through the association.

For finding the cause of the repetition problem, start at the key, then work
back, then up.  The key could be binding on the front (or center) rail.  It
likely could be that the jack is not returning to its position under the
hammer butt, probably due to lack of clearance controlled by the capstan.
In a spinet, that would be found at the back of the key where metal fingers
connect the key to the sticker.  Careful here - be ready to learn how to
replace rubber grommets because on an old piano they tend to break, crumble,
etc.

I hope this helps some.  I'd start with the block, however; if it is really
in bad shape, it's probably not cost effective for the customer to get the
work performed.     One more thought:  it may be worth it to you in the long
run to call in a good tech to take a look at it with you.  Pay the person
for their time.  You have the opportunity to learn, and if you don't have to
worry about taking the action in & out.  It's really not that hard, but it
helps to see it done!
Wally Wilson