My customer came in today, looked at the crack, which is all the way through the hitch pin area between two struts, and said "Wow! That's big isn't it? I thought it was just a little crack in the wood or something!" I explained all the implications of the break, including much of what you gugs have told me. I gave her a sheet with all the plate repair suggestions and price guesses you sent; told her I would be contacting welders this week for prices and suggestions, and would get back to her. Next, I explained the cost implications of removing the plate versus repairing it in place (restringing again, dis-assembling the case and removing the keybed. The possibility of having to step up to a larger size tuning pin again). Then I asked her what she thought we ought to do. Her answer was completely off the wall! She asked if the crack really HAD TO BE FIXED! She said she chose the piano out of a house full of furniture when a relative died, did not play a note herself and just wanted something on which to learn a few tunes! I told her that I thought the strings in the break area would not stay in tune, and that some other part of the plate could eventually break if it was not repaired. She asked if I could tune it well enough to play tunes without repairing it. I said I hadn't the foggiest idea! She said she wanted me to try because she couldn't afford additional expense right now and that we could always take it back to the shop later for repair if it doesn't work. I told her I would pull up the strings, tune it and check it after a week to see if it was holding and let her know. We could make a decision then. By that time we should have the estimates and information from the welders. Folks, this nice lady has not given me any indications that she thinks I am liable in any way for this tragedy and wants me to it make as well as possible. I don't want to get too defensive legally or it may create the exact situation I want to avoid. Any thoughts? Warren -- Home of the Humor List Warren D. Fisher fish@communique.net Registered Piano Technician Piano Technicians Guild New Orleans Chapter 701
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