string sizzle

[Rory Fader]

>I have run into a problem on a Baldwin console.  On the tenor and mid
>section of the long bridge, the bridge is beginning to split slightly at
>the bridge pins.  In some notes, especially in the low tenor, the problem
>was bad enough that strings were buzzing.  I let down the tension on the
>offending notes to get the strings away from the bridge pins.  If the
>pins could be easily pulled out, I reset them with epoxy in the hole and
>on the pin.  When I pulled the loose pins on some of the worst offenders,
>I found that some pins had been bent during manufacture.  If the bridge
>pins did not easily pull out, I used thin CA glue to stabilize the
>splitting and assure that the pin was really tight in the bridge.
>
>In general, the tone is significantly improved.  However, on A3 I pick up
>a sound which I can best describe as a sizzle on a hard blow.  I have
>been able to reduce it some by deep needling the hammer.  I can supress
>the sizzle by pushing on the v-bar with my thumb. I am not suggesting
>that the is originating there, only that the fleshy part of the thumb
>easily dampens the noise.  The noise appears to be coming from the center
>and left strings of the unison.  I have seated the strings on the bridge.
> On this piano the top side of the pridge is notched, but the bottom side
>is not.  I would really appreciate any suggestions for solving this
>problem.  Thanks.
>
>Paul Stephens,
>RPT
>
Try gently sliding the strings at the pressure bar back & forth.  This
smooths out grooves that may have developed against which the strings can
buzz.  Might work, might not.

Rory Fader, RPT
Delta, B.C. CAnada
rfader@dowco.com