preferred repair

[Mike Spalding]

David,

If this were my client, I would first determine if the split could be 
reglued without needing a veneer reinforcement.  This would be my first 
choice, but only if I believed it would be durable and inconspicuous.  
Otherwise, replace the button.  BTW, I would want the keyframe and 
neighboring keys in my shop to make sure I really matched the appearance 
and alignment of the buttons.

Mike

Jean and David Weiss wrote:
> The other 87 key buttons are perfect, and the keys very nicely rebushed.
> (Everything on this piano is nice.)  
>
> Customer will do whatever I say is best.
>
> David
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
> Of Mike Spalding
> Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:11 AM
> To: Pianotech List
> Subject: Re: preferred repair
>
> David,
>
> Hard to judge based on description of one cracked button. How do the 
> other 87 look? Neatly re-bushed with a good fit to the pin? Old 
> splintery mortises showing cumulative damage from multiple re-bushing? 
> Others with cracks? If it's just one isolated cracked button, and if the 
> bushing was properly fit/eased before it cracked, you can probably work 
> titebond thoroughly into the crack, clamp it for 10 minutes, and be 
> done. If they're all kind of ratty and risky looking, maybe a complete 
> set of new buttons is in order. No matter where this set of key buttons 
> is on the continuum just described, I think the customer needs to be 
> informed of the situation. Perhaps she will have some recourse with the 
> rebuilder / seller, or if not, perhaps she will be writing a significant 
> check to you, or perhaps she will be waiting to see how they hold up 
> over the next few years. Just my 2cents.
>
> Mike
>
> Jean and David Weiss wrote:
>   
>> List,
>>
>> With a small clean crack on a key button is it better to glue it and 
>> then glue a piece of veneer along the side of the key, or is it more
>>
>> "craftsman-like" to replace the key button completely?
>>
>> The veneer repair is 5 minutes in the client's house, but the repair 
>> will be visible for all eternity. (Not to the client, but only to 
>> another technician.)
>>
>> To replace the key button I have to bring the key back to my shop, set 
>> up the router, etc. More involved, but 20 years later the repair is 
>> not at all visible.
>>
>> Normally I wouldn't obsess this much but this client just paid $50,000 
>> for her rebuilt S&S A.
>>
>> David Weiss
>>
>>     
>
>
>
>