This is my first post to the group. I've been a guild member for seven years and just recently completed the tests to upgrade from Associate to Registered Technician. (Whew!). Have been in the Chem. Dept. (SUNY Oswego) for 13 yrs. as the Instrument Specialist (Electronics, test equipment, etc.). With pianos, I rebuild about 2 players/reproducers per yr. and about 25 hrs. per wk. tunings, reconditioning, regulations, etc. Last month I was pitch raising a 4 yr. old (relatively new) vertical piano and found the top 4 treble notes would not tune. Then I noticed a bridge split about 3 inches long which runs along the top (speaking length) bridge pins and extends virtually to the bottom of the bridge. About 8 of the pins also fell out. The factory and dealer both want me to repair it (versus replacement). Any journal articles I've seen on this usually mention that such a repair may not be permanent. The factory prefers a good epoxy and the dealer suggested a good CA glue, so I assume I must use the epoxy (long cure-time West or Duro?). The bridge is solid (not capped). The part which split appears to have also warped since the split is at least 3/16" wide on the treble end; and the break was not "clean", as it has many splinters. My concern also is how long such a repair might last. Thanks for any advice or article references. Fred Scoles
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