Hi list, Richard Strang wrote: >>>"the only sound it makes is, BONK! It sounds almost as if the hammer is hitting wood, instead of the string. This is only in a section of notes,">> You will have to check the downbearing. I am finding this symptom increasingly in 1920's uprights these days. The most common area though is the beginning of the bass break where a floating bridge is part of the design. Because the bridge at this point is the most cantilevered, it takes the most leverage stress from the strings. To quickly check the downbearing, loosen one of the strings in the affected area just enough to release it from the diversions of the bridge pins, in other words, let the string run straight across the bridge without it being diverted by the pins. Then tighten up the string slightly and then check to see if it actually touches the bridge. If it does not make contact with the bridge, you have a problem and a big problem. It means the soundboard has sunk and lost it's crown. Last week I checked out a bonking piano this way and the string I used as a guinea pig was lying 1/8" off the bridge. As for a quick fix, I don't have one, but any others who would like to gamble their reputations and credibility are welcome to come forth with their ingenious solutions. Regards Alan Forsyth.
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