Una-Corda Mystery

[Phil Bondi]

Farrell wrote:

>  
> So now she wants it fixed. My thought is to rout out a small area of 
> partial thickness (maybe a quarter inch or so) on bottom of the middle 
> board of the keyframe (the one that has the center rail mounted on it 
> - the rear rail is already routed out for the place where the 
> una-corda pedal used to engage the keyframe. Then install a hunk of 
> hard maple that would run from the middle board to the rear board on 
> the keyframe. Keep the maple hunk maybe a half-inch thick or so - keep 
> it flush with the bottom of the other two keyframe boards (not too 
> high, not too low). Position it correctly so that the una-corda lever 
> will engage it, put a strip of leather on the correct edge, charge the 
> owner a handsome but fair fee (couple hundred bucks), and then smile 
> when she praises the wonderful job I did (and then smile again when I 
> cash her check).

Terry, I have actually seen this kind of repair/modification to the una 
corda trapwork for the same type of symptoms. I can tell you it worked 
fine...but I will also tell you I have not seen that piano in probably 5 
years, so I can't tell you if the repair holds up well. I will also tell 
you that where the piano is(Restaurant/Lounge), I doubt seriously that 
pedal is being used much.

Your idea will work - longevity is the only fly in the ointment.

Phil Bondi(Fl)