bass bridge

[John Ross]

Hi Ed,
Bass strings are frequently removed for replacement of the strings, or bridge,
without lowering the tension on the rest of the piano. There is no damage to
the structural integrity
of the piano.
Has the apron itself split, or is it just unattached from the bridge?
Regards,
John M. Ross
Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada

Ed Carwithen wrote:

> I have an old upright with a bass bridge that has a sort of supporting
> structure underneath the bridge.  This supporting part has separated, and I
> am to work on it this coming saturday.
>
> If I take the bass strings loose so as to free the underlying bass bridge,
> will the frame be put at jeopardy for cracking?
>
> Should I loosen all strings before taking the bass strings loose?
>
> I have worked on this piano several times for tuning, but the separated
> bass bridge support causes a bad vibration in the A2 - D3 section of the
> piano.  Something has to be done, but I don't want to make a bad situation
> worse.
>
> Thanks for your input...
>
> Ed Carwithen
> John Day, OR