Mark Cramer wrote: > Here is a crack in the frame of the 1912 "B" I mentioned some time ago. > > You will notice it runs from the screw-hole along the strut on one side, > and to the first tuning-pin of F2 on the other. > > My hunch is that I will find a void in the pin-block fit when > I tear-down, and perhaps loosening the screw may close the gap somewhat. > (?) Nonetheless, this is a new experience for me. > > I would appreciate some assurance that this crack will not cause future > worries (given a good pin-block fit), and also advice on how to > cosmetically fill/repair the crack such that it won't reappear and spoil > the new plate finish. > > (I would also like full guaranteed income, indexed for inflation for the > rest of my days, and to work only for the sheer thrill of it... why > not?! :>) > > Thanks in advance, and also to Trevor Nelson, RPT (Boulder, Co.) for > providing such a good photograph. Mark, I have seen this type of crack on the B many times before. It's probably due to a flaw in the casting process. This crack shows up on a lot of Bs from 1910 to 1920. You should check and see if it also has a crack running from an agraffe in the middle of the tenor area running forward to open air in front of the plate flange. This happens on the agraffe that is closest to the edge of the plate. Many of the ones I have seen have this crack as well. If it is just the crack from the screw hole I think it will give you little problem but if it has the agraffe crack you may have a problem especially if it goes through the flange. To stabilize the screw hole crack I would drill a small hole at the end and fill this with Bondo. John Hartman RPT John Hartman Pianos [link redacted at request of site owner - Jul 25, 2015] Rebuilding Steinway and Mason & Hamlin Grand Pianos Since 1979 Piano Technicians Journal Journal Illustrator/Contributing Editor [link redacted at request of site owner - Jul 25, 2015]
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