Pratt Read Question

[Dave Nereson]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <trc3j@juno.com>
To: <experts@ptg.org>; <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2004 8:06 AM
Subject: Pratt Read Question


> I have a Pratt Read action that needs much attention and I am still quite
> new at this. It looks like a great opportunity to learn by doing but I
> could definitely use some guidance.
> The flanges, damper levers, and back checks are all plastic. Many of the
> back checks were broken off when I opened the piano. They all appear to
> be very brittle and I suspect that a light twist would break the rest of
> them one by one. At least three of the jack flanges are broken and one
> damper lever is also broken. It appears obvious to me that a complete
> replacement of the back checks is in order and the other broken parts as
> well. It is my concern that as I get into it that I am going to find more
> if not all of the rest of the plastic to be as brittle.
>
> What say Ye?
>
> Tim

    If I were still young and dumb (now I'm old and dumb), I would probably
go ahead and do it just for the learning experience, as long as the owner
paid for the parts.  Won't be cheap, though.  Is the piano worth it, I mean,
can you buy another used spinet or console for the same amount of money the
wood parts are going to cost?  If you do do it, make sure the shape of the
butts and wippens are REAL close to the existing ones, or it may not
regulate.
    --David Nereson, RPT