Well, I have several comments to make on this subject. My first question, does the piano have plastic in the action? Is they're still down bearing? Since you're getting the piano, or, it is available for you to get, how much is it? If it is free for example or for example $100, it might be a good learning experience. You have to answer all these questions, and decide what you want to do. I've repaired many separated backs, but none with that much gap. The pianos I've repaired, the gap only allows a spachuela to get into, so I just take out one screw at a time, use a 14 inch long bit, drill through the back, and through the post, and after install a 3 eights carriage bolt, of the proper length, and proceed to the next one. I saw an old Haynes upright piano, where you could put you're hand between the back and block, but didn't repair it because the sound board was shot. Lynn Rosenberg
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC