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Hi Ed,<br>
<br>
I did some checking to make sure I have my facts straight. Tim Geinert (Certified
Wapin Installer) did a 70's MHBB like you are talking about. He didn't do
anything to the plate as you are talking. He says the tuning control is
all right, but not wonderful in that area. He used Wally Brooks' thinned
shanks, would recommend Ronson hammers (not what he put on), and installed
Wapin. The piano is at a music school and now is considered the best piano
they have. I am going to see the piano tomorrow. If you want to talk with
Tim I can get you his email address. <br>
<br>
He gave me a good bit of advice about some of the 1970's Mason & Hamlins:
watch out for the pinblock. Not ALL are glued and doweled. This MHBB
had a free floating pinblock. It turned out the last MHA I did from the
1930's had the same thing. You can wedge and glue the pinblock to the stretcher
to hold it in place as the plate comes out. <br>
<br>
Contact me if you want his email address. His home number is in the directory.<br>
<br>
Tim Coates<br>
Wapin Company LLP <br>
<br>
Ed Sutton wrote:<br>
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<div><font face="Arial" size="2">Dear List-</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"> Has anyone on the list had experience
rebuilding big M & H's of 1970's vintage.</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"> A piano teacher has a 1974 B in need
of serious rebuilding or replacement. </font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"> The action will need redesigning (there
is nothing left of the old M & H action design) , it needs a new pinblock
and probably wapin bridge pinning. </font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"> The front bearing is ridiculously
steep. Hell to tune and ugly, too. I'm wondering if I can grind away some
of the plate or bearing bars to reduce it.</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"> The agraffes stop at G#3. I don't
think this was the original B plate design, was it?</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"> Despite what amounts to a rape of
a once wonderful design, there is still something magic in the sound of this
instrument.</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"> If I do every good thing we can do
for a piano, will it be a stable, dependable instrument, or will the problems
start just to the other side of where I stop?</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"> I'd appreciate any words of wisdom
and experience.</font></div>
<div><font face="Arial" size="2"> Ed Sutton</font></div>
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