Severely Cracked Pinblock

[David Pritchard]

Hi list,

A client has purchased an old grand made in the late
1800's.  Says "Simms Bath - Ernst Kaps - Dresden - By
Appointment to Her Majesty" on it.  Serial # 1016.

Anyway, the pinblock is exposed (not covered by the
plate) and slopes down towards the strings.  There are
several cracks in the pinblock, which I tried filling
with CA glue.  However, the whole section from A#4 to
G#7 is shifting when I try to tune it.

I'm only trying to bring it up to 150¢ flat, but it
not only won't stay up to pitch, but that section of
the pinblock is shifting so far that the hammers catch
on the edge of the pinblock.  The client then tried
Elmer's Carpenter Glue, but still no luck.

The client purchased this as more of an interesting
piece of furniture, but thought it would be nice if it
could be played.  It's actually in good shape
otherwise.  Looks like someone had replaced the
hammers and strings in the past, probably before the
pinblock was ruined.

I'm no rebuilder, and don't wish to be.  I'm wondering
if there are any easy fixes that would be adequate or
if we're talking a big rebuilding job.  If that is the
case, is anyone wanting to possibly take it on?  What
might this cost?  The piano is in Scottsbluff,
Nebraska, which isn't too far from Cheyenne, WY or
Denver, CO.

David Pritchard

=====

The box said "Requires Windows 95, or better." So I bought a Macintosh.

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