Advice sought ASAP. One of my high-profile clients, an embassy here in DC, tried to move a 1917 Steinway B off a 2' stage without professional mover or counsel and broke the lyre off. :( Broke the top block in half the long way, right along where the two rear screws go in. Clean break, but left half the block and plate attached to the piano, and of course the lyre on the floor. Piano is needed for concert Saturday 10 AM! A couple techs here advised gluing original block with Titebond. Thought this might be adequate, as glue joint will be stronger than wood. I confess I have limited woodworking experience, so still find it difficult to put my faith in a glue joint being that strong. :) When I expressed doubt, it was suggested that I might possibly drill from rear of block to install two 1/2" or 3/4" dowels, stopping short of front of block, for reinforcement. This morning I unclamped the lyre block after 24 hours and my glue repair appears solid. Can I put the lyre on for Saturday's concert and trust it not to fall apart? I don't have access to a drill press until early next week. Might I try to drill 1/2" or 3/8" for dowel freehand with hand drill? Or should I leave well enough alone? By the way, I have thought about borrowing a lyre from a school piano and seeing if it fits. Just a fallback position. Might I make it work easily? Not my first choice, but emergency situation with very limited time to work with making me think outside the box a bit. Schedule jammed every day this week with performance work, so somewhat stressed! Didn't need this kind of repair/worry. Thanks for any advice. Paul Milesi, RPT Washington, DC (202) 667-3136 E-mail: paul at pmpiano.com Website: http://www.pmpiano.com
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