<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 12 (filtered medium)">  <style>  </style>  </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> I think it depends on to whom you talk at Steinway.  I’ve heard that they are only for safety – particularly in moving – and that they can be removed for replacing dampers etc.  I’ve also heard that you should be very cautious in removing it particularly if it takes some strength to get it out.  I’ve only had one (B) where I had to remove it and put stringing braid between the cast bars to eliminate the buzz but that worked fine.  I think this is the classic case where common sense must prevail.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> dp<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <div> David M. Porritt, RPT<o:p></o:p> <a href="dporritt@smu.edu">dporritt@smu.edu</a><o:p></o:p> </div> <o:p> </o:p> <div> <div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'> From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Kerry Sent: Friday, June 27, 2008 7:45 AM To: 'Pianotech List' Subject: RE: Steinway Plate strut Q<o:p></o:p> </div> </div> <o:p> </o:p> Hi Gerry,<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Ken Sloan and I went around about this issue some years ago. It’s called a diagonal bar, and as I recall the consensus was that if you could remove the screws easily it probably wasn’t doing anything structurally, and was probably there in case of some unusual stress on the plate. I’ve removed them before for stringing and easier access to the tenor dampers (although I did put them back) with no obvious negative results. Anybody got any more info on this?<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Kerry Kean<o:p></o:p> Kent, Ohio<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <div> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center> </div> From: Gerald Cousins [mailto:cousins_gerry@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 9:00 PM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Steinway Plate strut Q<o:p></o:p> </div> <o:p> </o:p> Greetings all: I recently encountered, for the first time ever, a SS- D where the cross strut (my term here) had been removed. 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. It is plate steel and usually has STEINWAY raised cast onto the metal. It connects to the plate with machine screws. Initial findings and observations: The 2 machine screws were still screwed into the plate. Pitch was at 440.  Noticable lack of sustain in treble and high treble. Plate had no structural issues (yet) I am uncertain who what or when this was done but my best guess is that it was forgotten during a restringing. 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 this one to the list first. Cordially, Gerry Cousins, RPT cousins_gerry@msn.com<o:p></o:p> </div> </body> </html>