Pianotech

  • 1.  Best way to fasten this separated pinblock

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-07-2016 20:36

    Tfop view of separationEnd view of separation

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    I have repaired many verticals with pin blocks that have separated from the back posts where there is direct access for getting glue down in between the back posts/fillers and the pin block. (The procedure being: let down tension enough so that the frame can be clamped back together, apply glue and clamp, bore for 3/8" carriage bolts, install them, bring piano back up to pitch). But two factors differ here: 1) the decorative strip atop the back post ends has stayed firmly glued to the pin block. It is a rather thick piece and I note that the plate lag screws almost follow the glue joint. 2) the separation does not extend into the bass, which will complicate getting that piece loose.

    My dilemma is: must I rip the strip covering the back post ends loose, in order to get glue in everywhere? Or is it sufficient just to replace the six lag screws with carriage bolts as I have on occasion run across.

    I apologize for the poor lighting

    Bill Maxim, RPT
    Columbia SC
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  • 2.  RE: Best way to fasten this separated pinblock

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-07-2016 20:39

    The piano is a Story & Clark console, S/N 420927 (1967)

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    Bill Maxim
    Columbia SC



  • 3.  RE: Best way to fasten this separated pinblock

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-07-2016 21:12

    Bill

    This is not a pin block separation. This is just the back decorative strip that holds the top lid that has separated from the cabinet. Just put some glue in there and clamp it down. No need to reduce tension or anything drastic. This is an easy fix. 

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789



  • 4.  RE: Best way to fasten this separated pinblock

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-07-2016 22:02

    Not so fast, Wim,

    That's what I thought when I first saw it. But that back board is not separated from the back posts.  It is firmly glued to them.  The back posts have moved away from the pin block. I am sorry that the gap does not show up clearly in the poorly lit end view of the piano.  What show as white just behind the pinblock is actually a gap. There is about a quarter of an inch separation there, and I would assume the backpost-to pinblock gap exists all the way down through the tenor section.

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    Bill Maxim
    Columbia SC



  • 5.  RE: Best way to fasten this separated pinblock

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-07-2016 23:40

    Bill

    OK, I see the gap.  Before doing anything, I would take one, or two, large and heavy duty clamps and see if you can bring the two sides together and see if there is any movement at all. If you can bring the two together, then there is no need to put glue in there. Just remove the plate screws the area effected, drill all the way through, and insert the bolts, like you were suggesting.

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789