<HTML>In a message dated 6/27/01 10:39:15 PM Central Daylight Time, edwithen@oregontrail.net writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Have been asked to replace all bass strings on the Hamilton/Baldwin 5' grand I am working on.  I recall others mentioning that there was no need to loosen the other strings when replacing the wound bass strings.  The harp seems particularly sturdy in this piano with struts on both sides of the section.  I would like to be able to replace the felt under the front duplex section which would require having all the strings off at the same time.  Would this be safe?  Putting the harp in danger of cracking is NOT an option.  What say ye??? Ed Carwithen </BLOCKQUOTE> Ed You can take off the bass strings without having to loosen the treble strings, without fear of damaging the plate in any way. If you want to replace the felt under the treble strings, you will need to remove the strings. Now you're getting into a compete restringing job. If you're going to go that far, you might as well go all out. After removing the strings, lift the plate out. Now you can refinish the plate, and repair and refinish the soundboard. As long as you have the plate out, it doesn't cost much more to replace the pin block too. But maybe you're getting into an area that is over your head. If I recall, all you were asked to do is replace the hammers because wine had spilled on them. Now we're recommending a complete rebuilding job.  There is a big difference. You might want to consider talking to Joe in Portland about completely rebuilding the piano, and you taking a commission, rather than trying something you've never done before. Willem </HTML>