<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 14 (filtered medium)"><style></style></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1>It happens from time to time with this type of counterbearing bar. The thing is made of a fairly heavy brass bar forcibly stamped to shape. Bending the brass like that often weakened the material at the bend and eventually they give way. If you look closely at the others you’ll probably see a few hairline cracks on and around the top of the “V.” <o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>The solution is to replace the thing. Obviously you’re not going to get one from Baldwin—or whatever is left of the company. The best way to go is to replace them all with strips of brass half-round that you cut and trim to length. If you’re absolutely must have the original I’ll go look; I may have a few I’ve not yet thrown away.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>ddf<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Delwin D Fandrich<o:p></o:p>Piano Design & Fabrication<o:p></o:p>6939 Foothill Court SW, Olympia, Washington 98512 USA<o:p></o:p>Phone  360.515.0119 — Cell  360.388.6525<o:p></o:p><a href="mailto:del@fandrichpiano.com">del@fandrichpiano.com </a>— <a href="mailto:ddfandrich@gmail.com">ddfandrich@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of tnrwim@aol.com Sent: Friday, March 02, 2012 7:25 PM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: [pianotech] flat v-bar<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p><div>Yesterday I tuned a Model C Baldwin grand at a church for the first time. Nice piano, except it needs new hammers. Despite that, I thought I did a good job. This morning I got a call from the piano player saying that from d6 on up the piano is way out of tune. Things like that have happened in the past, and it usually a note here or there that might be slightly off, so I wasn't too concerned. But I happen to be in the neighborhood, so I stopped by the church. <o:p></o:p></div><div> <o:p></o:p></div><div>From D6 - G6 it sounded like someone had detuned the piano. C#6 and G#6 were almost perfectly in tune, but the ones in between were like a fifth or so off. I looked at the plate, and the hitch pins, but nothing was wrong. When I started tuning the strings, the pins felt very tight. I stopped after 3 notes, and went to the office and asked if anyone had access to the sanctuary, and I was assured that no one was in there the night before. I went back and continue tuning the rest of the notes that were way off. Then went back and listened to D6 again, and I had to bring it up some more. It took me about 15 minutes to retune that section.  <o:p></o:p></div><div><div> <o:p></o:p></div><div>The sanctuary was a little dark, so I took out my flashlight, and took another close look. Then I saw it. The V bar had collapsed. Literally. See the attached picture. I have never seen anything like this in my life. Anyone?<o:p></o:p></div><div> <o:p></o:p></div><div>Wim Blees RPT<o:p></o:p></div><div>Hawaii <o:p></o:p></div></div></div></body></html>