My first pinblock and it's a Mason & Hamlin !!!!!

[Jon Page]

At 09:21 PM 01/07/2001 -0500, you wrote:
>I'm ready to take on the challenge of installing my very first block. As luck
>would have it, it's a Mason & Hamlin "B". I need some questions answered from
>those of you who are in the know:
>
>1. What's a forgiving block material for a first-timer? I've heard that a
>lower-ply maple block works best and am considering Bolduc.
>2. I know that the Bolduc calls for a .250" bit. Does that sound right to
>those who have experience with the Bolduc?
>3. Is removal of the old block going to be an operation similar to a
>Steinway? I've watched Steinway blocks being removed so have a basic
>knowledge of what to expect.
>4. What is the approximate location of dowels for a "B" at either end and on
>the stretcher and how many should I expect?
>
>Thanks PROFUSELY from an RPT with 28 years of experience who is looking
>forward to doing blocks. Any help is GREATLY appreciated.
>
>Donn Young, RPT
>Devon, PA

I would seek hands-on help to guide you through the steps required to 
remove and fit the block.
Things like: checking bearing, crown, block registering within the case 
(drilling guide holes through
the plate into the block), fitting the flange, fitting the block to the 
case, drilling the screw holes,
drilling the tuning pin holes, resetting bearing, bridge pins, plate 
spraying, felt application.  The
multiple times of installing and removing the plate without damaging the 
rim or finish.

There is tidy way to refelt the tenor & bass counter-bearing, find out 
how.  Look at someone's restringing
job, if the felt does not look like the factory install (or better) don't 
ask them how to do it, seek another source.

Don't make newbie errors on a piano of this caliber.  Get a few other 
lesser pianos under your belt,
especially if it is a customer's piano.  Help another tech to install a 
block on some of their jobs. Or help
that tech replace the block in the M&H. Get experience first. Heck, it'll 
probably take five block installations
for you to figure out the pitfalls and feel secure with your work knowing 
the results of each procedure.
A working knowledge is accumulated through practical experience, practical 
experience is sometimes
learned the hard way.

Welcome to the world of 'rebuilding' but don't have the hopeful idea that 
28 years experience
with tuning and other repairs has prepared you to single-handedly take on a 
job of this magnitude.
I'm sure you don't want your finished product to be less than stellar.

If Bolduc or someone similar has an instructional video you may get by if 
you are mechanically
adept but nothing beats hands-on experience. I have seen too many 'good 
attempts' by well wishing
piano guys to endorse your running head long into the battle without combat 
training.

Be prepared,

Jon Page,   piano technician
Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass.
mailto:jonpage@mediaone.net
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