<html> <head> <style> .hmmessage P { margin:0px; padding:0px } body.hmmessage { FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma } </style> </head> <body class='hmmessage'><div style="text-align: left;">Greetings all:<br>I recently encountered, for the first time ever, a SS- D where the cross strut (my term here) had been removed.<br>The strut I am referring to is the one that connects from the bass/tenor break over to the treble hitch pin and support bolt area.<br>It is plate steel and usually has STEINWAY raised cast onto the metal. It connects to the plate with machine screws.<br>Initial findings and observations: The 2 machine screws were still screwed into the plate.<br>Pitch was at 440.  Noticable lack of sustain in treble and high treble. Plate had no structural issues (yet)<br>I am uncertain who what or when this was done but my best guess is that it was forgotten during a restringing.<br>All comments and opinions as to the good bad or indifferent of this issue are appreciated. I do have a plan of action but wanted to field <br>this one to the list first.<br>Cordially,<br>Gerry Cousins, RPT<br>cousins_gerry@msn.com<br><br></div></body> </html>