Front lid extended during performance

[William R. Monroe]

Comments below:

I wrote:

>> I also disagree with this, I think there are many fine grands with sadly 
>> underengineered front lid hardware.  For the life of me I've never 
>> understood why manufacturers can't bring it upon themselves to use larger 
>> diameter and length screws for front top-lids of grands, and 
>> fallboard/music desk hinges on verticals.
>>  However, this shortcoming doesn't mean the piano is trash IMO.


Ron N wrote:

> That's not what I said.

Right, what you said, in response to the question of is this open, propped 
lid configuration damaging is, "If the hinges can't take this stress, the 
piano is trash. It's a non event, or an indication of a need to upgrade."

My disagreement with your position is, I think, valid.


> Do you know of any instance, even one, where hinges have torn out as a 
> direct result of someone propping the lid without folding it back?

Nowhere did I suggest that this configuration leads directly to the hinges 
pulling out.  I did suggest that manufacturers use more substantial 
hardware.  Also a valid consideration, I think.

> I've seen lids raised this way, and found them like this when I came to 
> tune. In no case that I've seen were the hinge mountings detectably 
> damaged by this, which was the original question.
> Ron N
>

Right, but if the lid can't take the stress of being open and propped, it 
doesn't mean the piano is trash and that it's time to upgrade, which is what 
you said.  It means it's time to repair the lid.

I think I understand what you meant, which was that if the piano's lid is so 
far gone, then very likely the rest of the piano is too, but that wasn't 
clear in your original post.

William R. Monroe