I recently completed work on an 1885 Bluethner, which was actually pretty modern by comparison with what I would normally work on. The main job to be done was restoration of the original Bluethner action...an interesting task, since many parts had to be re-fabricated. Anyway that job is finished. I would like a little advice on a problem that has developed with this piano, that is essentially a "modern" piano problem...and beyond my experience. An unpleasant and short-lived rattle/buzz that has developed with mf or louder on three tenor notes. There are also two cracks that run right through the bass bridge apron, maybe a mm wide in places...the riser and bridge appear to be intact, but the apron is cracked right through. I think the cracks are probably the cause of the rattle, but, before tearing into removing the bridge and repairing it, I'd like some comments from you experienced modern piano guys if this is likely to be correct. I normally work with pianos that have no iron, let alone a plate, so I would also like to confirm that it is safe to remove all the bass strings at the same time, without causing damage to the plate. Thanks for any advice. Stephen Birkett Stephen Birkett Fortepianos Authentic Reproductions of 18th and 19th Century Pianos 464 Winchester Drive Waterloo, Ontario Canada N2T 1K5 tel: 519-885-2228 email: sbirkett@uoguelph.ca
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