[pianotech] Plate Torsion - bass bridge repair

[Joseph Garrett]

Richard asked: "Re: [pianotech] Bass bridge repairGeneral question
regarding bass bridge repairs...from what I understand, you are detuning
and removing all the bass strings but leaving full tension on the remainder
of the strings. I've not ventured into to many bridge repairs as of yet and
was wondering if that is typically fine to do...doesn't strain the plate or
anything that could cause major problems? Just something I've been afraid
to do because I didn't know.
 
Thanks!"
Richard W. Bushey,
Think about it: the piano is strung one string at a time, starting at the
treble, going down to the break. THEN, the bass strings are added.<G> Yes,
there are times when loosening the bass strings will cause problems. Case
in point: a Swedish Made piano, (can't recall the name. :-(  ), ...Owned by
Del, needed to be restrung. Started to remove bass strings and treble
strings broke!!! Main cause? The piano had no back posts, just pariferal
plate. The largest number of pianos do not have this configuration. I've
replaced more bass bridges than I care to count and never have had a
problem as you imagine. Of course, there can be exceptions, but I haven't
seen that yet.
Joe


Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I