Pianotech

  • 1.  Kimball 1909 Parlor Grand -Pinblock

    Member
    Posted 07-18-2017 00:06

      I examined a style 20 Kimball Parlor Grand today. Circa 1906-1909 beautiful refinished case work etc Although I could not detect and stains, evidence of doping, cracks in the block
    a section of pinblock lamination is missing that is about 14 to 16 inches long in the base. It looks like the glue failed and that a a new piece could be made to insert a section in the space. The tuning pins have all been tapped in to the max so there is no coil/plate clearance but I believe newer bigger pins could be inserted along with replacement of all of the wound strings in the bass section. All of the plain steel strings look good and I thought I read an article that plain steel strings could be saved if one is cautious not to bend the string.
    I am not sure what budget I will have overall but the top action and backaction need replacement.

    My question is twofold- can a pinblock like this be repaired/saved if the lamination can be duplicated, fitted and glued ?

    Is a total re-stringing with bigger pins a better way to go or is it better to use the existing plain wire and a procedure to slip off coils ?

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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  • 2.  RE: Kimball 1909 Parlor Grand -Pinblock

    Posted 07-18-2017 06:33
    I certainly would not try to reuse old strings from before 1910. Now if they were 20-30 years old, maybe, but even then removing the coil and reinstalling would definitely make the wire more likely to break. Remember the majority of wires break at the coil when they break during tuning. Also think about all the labor in that direction and offering any kind of guarantee. 

    Likewise for the pinblock question. Yes, it's just wood and you probably could fit and glue a piece that would help. But with a pinblock that old and offering any guarantee for your work? I wouldn't do it.


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    John Formsma, RPT
    New Albany MS
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Kimball 1909 Parlor Grand -Pinblock

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-18-2017 08:22
    James.  

    The piano is over a hundred years old. The pin block might be OK now, but if you use it, even if you make some repairs, in the not to distant future it will need to be replaced anyway. So I would suggest to the customer to have that replaced now, while you've got the strings off.

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    Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
    Mililani, HI 96789
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Kimball 1909 Parlor Grand -Pinblock

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-21-2017 21:57
    James,

    If money is a problem for them why not simply .CA the pinblock and make the best of it until they can afford to rebuild it?

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Kimball 1909 Parlor Grand -Pinblock

    Posted 07-21-2017 22:56
    My interpretation of this is that you are letting the customer dictate your price and service.  This is a problem of conversion. If your goal as a businessman is to be successful, work less, and make more money, then try to convert a $500 job into a $5,000 dollar job. It surprises me how often people just needed confirmation what they already instinctively knew.
    Yesterday, an upright came into my shop for new keytops. I looked at the piano with missing hammers, 1 inch thick of dust on the dampers, and busted bridle straps. I sent them my evaluation supported with pictures of new parts next to the old parts, along with the price for the suggested repairs.  I would have to tune 30 pianos to make the same amount I'll make from this simple conversion.



    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Kimball 1909 Parlor Grand -Pinblock

    Member
    Posted 07-22-2017 00:15

      This is the type of job that will need to go to a shop and that is what I proposed. I have treated many pin blocks with great success but this piano is too far gone when looking at the lack of space under the coils. I think there will be the usual sticker shock but I am attempting to educate folks that there is quite a bit of work, experience, craftsmanship involved in rebuilding piano . The first call I got said they wanted the piano restored to its original glory not just made playable. So... I have requested one of the best rebuilders I know and he is putting a bid in. Ultimately I will end up being the technician that will tune it, regulate and look after it.
    As I am told the story it has always been their goal to restore the piano when they bought there ultimate dream home which they just did. Of course they also could be just content with it as is as a focal point, place to store their pictures on etc.. I do not see myself taking on the piano to use CA on the block or trying to just make it work.


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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Kimball 1909 Parlor Grand -Pinblock

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-23-2017 12:20
    That is clarifying info that was not initially made clear. Many people say they want t to restore their piano, but have absolutely no conception of the cost if doing so.

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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    Original Message