<html xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" 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 11 (filtered medium)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>   I have a 1925 Lyon & Healy (5 ft.) grand in the shop.  I have done a preliminary estimate on restringing, new hammers, action reconditioning, etc., but I do not yet have a signed contract with the specifics spelled out.<o:p></o:p>   I have been doing some closer inspection of the piano, have concerns about the <o:p></o:p> soundboard, and could use some counsel.  <o:p></o:p>   The strings are still on, and composite downbearing readings (Fowler guage) from the top note run <o:p></o:p> .004" - .010" in Treble 2;<o:p></o:p> .006" - .009" in Treble 1; <o:p></o:p> .010" - .009" in Tenor.<o:p></o:p>   These seem minimal, especially in the top treble, and I will check again after taking off the strings to see how much the board might come up, but maybe I can work with these, especially since I may have to recap the top end of the treble bridge anyway.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>   The bass is the main problem.<o:p></o:p> Top note (28) reads .010".  (That's okay.)<o:p></o:p> Middle of bridge is .006", and it ranges .004" - .007" through note 4.<o:p></o:p> THEN, #3 is .000", #2 is -.001", and #1 is -.003".<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Inspecting board underneath shows all glue joints solid and at least minimal crown except for the low end of the bass bridge.   A straight edge will rock at that point directly beside the lowest soundboard button for the bass bridge apron, although there is clearance and "crown" on either side of that spot.<o:p></o:p>    Tone in bass is not strong; bass bridge is offset construction; clearance between plate and soundboard at plate screw/post locations is minimal (1/8").<o:p></o:p> Perhaps I could re-cap the bass bridge to correct downbearing.  Could I save this board, and should I even try.  My preliminary estimate did not mention replacing the soundboard and was based on a home inspection in a crowded room where getting under the piano was difficult (That's my best excuse. J)<o:p></o:p>   Counsel welcomed.  Criticism accepted.<o:p></o:p> Thanks.<o:p></o:p> Claude Harding<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </div> </body> </html>