[pianotech] Bridle-less old upright action

[David Boyce]

That's very interesting Paul.

In the local theatre in one of the rooms there used to be an old 
Brinsmead straight-strung upright with a similar jack. It's the only 
action of that type I've seen. Same idea - no tape, but a kind of 
inverted heel arrangement at the top of the jack, designed to engage 
with the hammer butt. Like you, I've not yet photographed it. It must 
have been a design idea current at  one time, for Brinsmead were an 
English make, and I doubt if they would ever have used WNG action 
parts.  The piano has  remarkably good tone for its age and type, I 
might say.

Best regards,

David Boyce.

PS, when I think about it just now, it might be a spring and loop 
action, which would explain the lack of bridle tapes. But it defintely 
has the odd jack shape. I must go and take photos!  Did you check the 
Conover for spring & loop?



> I tuned an old upright by Conover this morning, serial number 9880, 
> which places manufacture date in late 1880's.
>
> One thing I found rather remarkable about it (besides the remarkably 
> loose pins!) was the action. I noticed there were NO bridle tapes at 
> all. Further inspection revealed 1877 and 1878 patents by Wessell, 
> Nickel, & Gross, and a rather "catchy" (if you will) hook on top of 
> the jack which projects into a hold in the rear of the hammer butt.
>
> Of course I pulled out my camera to take a photo. Of course, the 
> battery was dead.
>
> I will probably be re-visiting the piano in May or June so I'll get 
> photos then... but meantime, how widely was this action used? Any 
> issues? I didn't have to pull the action, so I can't honestly speak to 
> its efficacy. Anyone?
>
> Paul Bruesch
> Stillwater, MN