Spinet

[J Patrick Draine]

Hi Martin,
Older Howard spinets can be a bit bearish. I was just working on a Howard
spinet serial number 60534, because the bass bridge cap had to be
reattached. I was ready to pull the action until I noticed that not only
did the action not have standard action bolts (it has large screws), but
the action didn't seat on the usual ball feet, screw down onto the lower
support rail. It screws onto the vertical plane of the support rail, and
that left me a bit uncomfortable (I've only got 2 hands & no assistants).
Fortunately I could loosen all the screws, and give enough clearance to
remove & reattach the bass strings without mangling the dampers.
Otherwise most spinet actions shouldn't cause too much fear & trembling.
First remove the keys for improved clearance. You may need to sell the
customer on a rubber grommet replacement job because they often harden &
get brittle, crumbling (or at the very least clicking loudly) when you
try to reassemble the action & keys. Securing the abstract wires by
string, tape, or bungy cord is good but not absolutely necessary. Check
for proper clearance of the dampers at the bass/tenor break if the action
has the standard bolt (but this piano probably has the screws so you
won't have a clearance problem).
Lift it out slowly, and proceed to do the work you were planning on.
Great time to tighten wippen flange screws, and hammer flange screws if
access is difficult when in the piano.
Take care of your lower back (sit-ups, pelvic tilts, etc.)
Plan on at least an hour's labor for removal & reinstallation until
you're well practiced at it.

Good luck,
Patrick draine

Martin Dubow wrote:

> I may have to remove the action on a spinet. It's a Howard by Baldwin.
> I've never attempted this before, but have been told not to try it.
>
> Any words of wisdom out there?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Martin