Pianotech

  • 1.  stubborn bass bridge apron spacer - workaround OK?

    Posted 08-29-2018 07:42
    I've had to repair an old upright's bass bridge apron, which separated from both the bridge and the spacer piece screwed/glued to the soundboard.  I wanted to remove the spacer, in part to simplify its reattachment to the apron/bridge.  After removing the screws through the back of the soundboard and working carefully with water and heat gun (hide glue), the spacer is only barely showing signs of lifting from the board.  I would rather not risk breaking it or damaging the board, and wonder if I can just leave well enough alone. 
    Question - can I leave the spacer in place, and simply use longer screws to re-attach the bridge/apron to it by running them through the spacer, and anchoring into the apron?  Seemed the piano maker chose to anchor (with screws) only the spacer piece, ie the screws don't actually grab the apron itself (it was simply glued to the spacer).  Is my thought to use longer screws problematic?

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    Frederick Hamaker
    Rochester NY
    585-315-3601
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  • 2.  RE: stubborn bass bridge apron spacer - workaround OK?

    Posted 08-29-2018 08:08
    The spacer is called the 'foot'. If the foot is secure to the sounding board but the apron is loose, screw the apron to the foot. First drill a pilot hole for the threads through the apron into the foot. Bore the hole diameter in the apron larger to accept the screw shank; insert a pallet knife blade between the apron and foot to insure bore depth. Install screw. All this can be done through the strings.

    If the foot is partially loose, drill a hole through the apron, foot and s/b and install a nut & bolt. Hopefully there won't be a post blocking in the rear.  Make certain to drill the hole which will clear a rib. Or use the rib and board for the threads (pilot hole) and drill the shank clearance hole through the apron and foot to install a long screw.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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  • 3.  RE: stubborn bass bridge apron spacer - workaround OK?

    Posted 08-29-2018 12:01
    Thanks for your comment, Jon.  I would have been more bold with a plan similar to yours, but the care taken by the mfgr not to allow the screw threads past the foot and into the apron gave me pause.  Maybe this was done to prevent the situation of having the threads grab both the foot and the apron (which would prevent a nice tight sandwich of apron, foot and sound board).

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    Frederick Hamaker
    Rochester NY
    585-315-3601
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