Pinblock Separation Questions

[richard.ucci@att.net]

What if the piano is already a full tone down? Does the tension still need to 
be lowered?

Rick Ucci/Ucci Piano
> In a message dated 10/2/2003 2:18:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
> mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com writes:
> 
> > I just looked at a late 1980s Baldwin studio, serial #1417324, style #4023 
> > (model number?), with a pinblock separating from the back assembly (about a 
> > quarter-inch separation). The piano has 3 backposts, but the back assembly is 
> > covered with veneers. Does anyone know if the backposts on these pianos 
> > extend to the top of the back assembly (top of back assembly also covered with 
> > veneers - yes, I will be able to tell when I yank these veneers off - but was 
> > curious before I get into it). Any knowledge of this Del? The three top plate 
> > screws are centered over the three post centerlines, so I suspect they may 
> > extend up to the top.
> >   
> > The couple times I have done this repair has been with older instruments 
> > where the backposts did extent to the top - and of course I through-bolted 
> > through them. If, by chance, this is a piano - like some Kimballs - where the 

> > backposts terminate at the base of the top back assembly (about at the 
> pinblock 
> > bottom), has anyone done this type of repair on that design? I see no evidence 
> > that the rear portion of the upper back assembly has moved - appears that 
> > only the pinblock has moved, so I suppose it would be just fine to epoxy and 
> > through-bolt to the back of this design. Anyone aware of any pitfalls I might 
> > not be seeing here?
> >   
> > Also, any non-bionic technician willing to share how many hours they have 
> > taken to do a repair like this - start to finish, not including pitch 
> > adjustments and tuning (just clamping, drilling, bonding, bolting and 
> cleanup)?
> > 
> 
> I've done many pianos like this. Mostly they've not been Baldwins, however I 
> just finished my 4th Baldwin in 4 months. I figure about 4-5 hours total. I 
> usually take around 1-2 hours to loosen the tension, glue, clamp and bolt the 
> thing back together. The second day is typically something from 2-3 hours to 
> bring back the tension, tighten up the coils, and properly space the strings. 
> The 
> last one I did was a spinet with the veneer on the top. Since the veneer was 
> not cooperative in coming off, I found a sheet of brown name-board felt to 
> cover the top. Saved a lot of time messing around with matching veneer!
> 
> Good luck!!
> 
> will wickham