repair bridge

[DGPEAKE@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 5/21/99 6:02:07 AM Pacific Daylight Time, cding@att.com 
writes:

<< Hi, everybody.
 
 I am new in piano technician team. My first major task is to repair a
 seriously cracked base bridge of my upright piano. One fourth of the
 pins are loose. I would like to re-cap the bridge. Firstly, I would like
 to take the bridge off the sound board. I tried to put vinegar between
 the bridge and the bridge apron (shelf). However, I failed to dissolve
 the glue. Does anyone know any more powerful dissolvent? Or do I have to
 use some special vinegar (I used my cooking vinegar)? Or is there any
 hidden screw between the bridge and the apron? Then I tried to dissolve
 the glue between the apron and the sound board. I failed again. Could
 someone give me some hints on how to take the bridge off?
 
 Your help is highly appreciated.
 
 Chunping
 
 
Chances are it was put on with animal hide glue.  Mix 1 part wallpaper 
remover to 1 part H2O and apply on the glue joints.  You may want to apply 
some heat from a heat gun to help soften the glue.  Make sure all of the 
screws are removed.  Sometimes part of the soundboard may come with the 
bridge, but that is not a hard repair, if you do not remove the part off of 
the bridge.  Another alternative is to apply epoxy in the cracks rather than 
recap. Email me privately and I will tell you how to do it.

Dave Peake, RPT
Portland Chapter
Oregon City, OR