Dear Gordon and list,
I would be hesitant to add any additional stress to a support structure
that is likely to have been under built in it's creation at the factory years
ago. You may get an improved tone.......but at what costs? So far all of the
concerns have been mainly whether or not you will break the plate. In my
opinion more emphasis should be placed on the question of whether the wood
structure supporting the plate will remain stable. The stress of unloading and
subsequently loading the piano by rebuilding can cause this piano to be
unstable anyhow due to under engineering factory specs aside from the
additional 2k or so lbs. The stability of tuning may be compromised in the
long haul as well. Humble opinions....
Regards,
Dale Whitehead, RPT
Franklin Piano Restorations
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC