Vintage Chickering

[Will Wickham]

Hi William,

I have a customer with Ye Olde Chickering grand - about 7 - 8 feet. 
This one is overstrung and is about 20 years younger than what you're 
describing. While I haven't had it completely apart, I can see how 
getting the plate out might be a bit tricky. The pinblock end of the 
plate (and presumably the block beneath) are set at slight incline 
compared to the plane of the strings. Over the past 12 years that I 
have serviced this instrument I haven't had any problems that weren't 
associated with age (primarily bridge issues) or spills (teenagers and 
a party...).

Hope this helps some!

will wickham



On Mar 26, 2006, at 7:56 PM, William R. Monroe wrote:

> Hello Listees,
>
> I've a question for those of you who have working knowledge of old, 
> Really
> Olde, Chickerings.  I'm looking at an approx. 8' Chickering, #20961, 
> late
> 1850's as a potential for myself, in my home.  It needs everything, 
> flat
> strung (is that right, Ron?) haven't seen the action, but am wondering 
> what
> potential pitfalls this instrument may have that other rebuilds in 
> general
> might not.  One area of concern (I've heard) is that there may be 
> difficulty
> in removing the plate.  Anyone know of this as a consistent problem in 
> old
> Chickering grands?  Anything else I may want to watch out for?
>
> Thanks all,
> William R. Monroe
>