Broken action brackets.

[Michael Jorgensen]

Hi Tim,
    I hope this isn't a result of a bigger hidden structural problem
with the plate or back posts etc. Just a thought.
-Mike Jorgensen

Tim Keenan & Rebecca Counts wrote:
> 
> Dear List:
> 
> I came across a situation the other day which I have not encountered
> before.  I went to tune a 1910 or so Heintzman full-size upright (or
> vertical as you Americans say) and found both of the end action brackets
> broken off below where they attach to the action.  The top parts were
> still attached to the bolts, and the owner had no idea how it got that
> way. I am presuming it was due to an end-on impact during moving. (The
> bottom bits were still in situ).  It hadn't been tuned for a long time
> (several years) and the previous tuner hadn't noticed (or commented on
> it).  I wonder what advice you might have as to the best repair. My first
> inclination was brazing, but I thought that epoxy might be easier and
> safer.  I haven't used epoxy for such a repair before, but I think that
> the rough crystalline surface of the broken cast metal might allow it to
> work satisfactorily.
> 
> All suggestions gratefully accepted--especially from those who have
> successfully completed such a repair and had it last!
> 
> Thanks for all replies.
> 
> Tim Keenan
> Noteworthy Piano Service
> 
> Terrace, BC