Convex Plate

[Dave Davis]

Terry,
  Thing #1: I used a taut string to verify that the
edge of the veneer cap is straight. The plate bowed
6mm toward the player in the center.  

  Thing #2:  Each end of the plate is recessed under
the cap 6mm.  The center is flush (i.e. no exposed
plate to measure).  

  Thing #3: (Hey!! you said two things!!)  The tuning
in the center is NOT more flat in the center than the
top.  In fact the top was about 200 cents flat.

  Not going to be tearing into it. I advised the
customer of the probability of a pinblock separation. 
Also, IMHO, it needs keytops, keybushings, regulating,
hammer shaping, some hammer butt flange repinning,
replace bass dampers, along with the alleged pinblock
repair before I would recommend it to a family who
wants a piano for the kids to take lessons. 

Dave


--- Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com> wrote:
> I can think of two things to do before you start
> tearing into it. First, if the pinblock has moved
> more in the middle than at the ends I would think
> you would see some sort of non-linear feature to the
> top (maybe more plate exposed at the very top in the
> middle?). Second, accurately measure from the back
> to the front of the plate in a half-dozen places
> along the top to try and quantify what is going on.
> Is the piano more flat (pitch) in the middle than in
> the bass and high treble?
> 
> Terry Farrell
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Dave Davis" <davistunes@yahoo.com>
> To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2003 4:45 PM
> Subject: Convex Plate
> 
> 
> > Hi All,
> >     I provided a purchase consult today on a 1911
> > Ludwig upright.
> >     Most items were looking normal for an old
> wornout
> > piano: Pins were moderately snug, no broken
> strings,
> > 1/2 step flat, top of plate bulging toward
> player....
> >     The top of the pinblock is covered with a
> lovely
> > cap that would not look so lovely had I used my
> > wonderbar to remove it.  Am I correct in thinking
> the
> > manufacturer did not build the plate with the
> convex
> > feature and that, indeed, the pinblock has moved
> > forward?  It reminds me of the Looney Tunes
> cartoons
> > where the water is building up behind the door
> that is
> > bulging wildly, waiting to burst.
> > 
> > Dave Davis,Assoc.
> > Renton, WA


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