Subject: Time: 5:34 PM OFFICE MEMO RE removing Steinway Diagonal Bar Date: 2/2/95 Date: 2/1/95 8:32 AM -- ORIGINAL POSTING -- To: Kenneth Sloane From: pianotech@byu.edu In fact an earlier issue of "Piano Quarterly" magazine covered that same subject, the danger in removing a cross brace with full string tension load. Editor Robert Silverman asked Michael Mohr, who said no problem, they do it at the factory frequently. (I don't have the issue, but it was sometime in the years '89-92.) Bill Ballard RPT "Lady, this piano is what it is, I am what I am, NH Chapter and you are what you are" From a recurring nightmare. -- REPLY -- Steinway installs the diagonal bar after the third chipping and installation of the dampers. They obviously feel it is safe to bring a piano to pitch without the bar in place. I believe it was Fred Drasche who told me that the bar was fitted to the cast iron frame to stiffen a potentially weak spot. The bar's termination occurs at the joining of several plate members where even cooling is a problem during casting and, hence, an area of potential weakness. Myself and Kerry Kean, technician at Kent State University traded letters about the bar that appeared in a 1989 Journal. I don't remember which month. The letters have more info; if you are so inclined, search them out. Ken Sloane, Oberlin
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC