Pianotech

  • 1.  Exposed Bridge Pins

    Posted 09-02-2018 13:09
    Hi All,
    I just picked up my next project from Paducah Kentucky yesterday. 
    The early morning started rough when my brakes started smoking after coming to my first stop down a hill. I thought they were going to catch fire! But, it turns out when you get new brakes they have to break in a bit (sorry for the pun). I just never seen them smoke so bad before. This was the first pull with the trailer and I almost cancelled. But, the next stop came and they didn't smoke, so i figured on keeping an eye on them, and it worked out fine. Anyways, the trip was uneventful after that.

    I was beginning to regret picking this piano up by myself when as soon as I touched the piano the treble leg just decided to fall to the floor.  Oh just great, "One of those moves!" I used the bench, blanket, and a 4x4 as a make shift leg.  I decided to recruited a neighbor to help, in case other legs were not attached. Thankfully they were.

    Got the piano home safely and inspected the piano this morning.  Went to get my rib kit and measure the ribs and felt something sharp in the upper treble. I never seen this before so I thought I would share it with you guys.

    Those are all bridge pins that someone hammered all the way through the bridge, the soundboard and sticking out through the bottom.

    I guess it's going to be "One of those jobs."
    -chris

    ------------------------------
    I don't always play the piano, but when i do, I prefer my own.
    chernobieffpiano.com
    chrisppff@gmail.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Exposed Bridge Pins

    Posted 09-02-2018 14:30
    It looks like someone used nails instead of the normal approved variety metal shaft.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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  • 3.  RE: Exposed Bridge Pins

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-02-2018 16:14
    I once ordered some parts from a German manufacturer, including some bridge pins. At first, they didn't understand what it was I wanted. Once I explained, they said, "Oh, the bridge nails!"

    Alan

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    Alan Eder, RPT
    Herb Alpert School of Music
    California Institute of the Arts
    Valencia, CA
    661.904.6483
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  • 4.  RE: Exposed Bridge Pins

    Posted 09-02-2018 22:27
    ***Update****
    Finally got the thing standing up. Opened up the lid to see the top-side of those bridge nails. Hilarious i must say.
    I guess tomorrow i'll have to tell the customer of the quite extensive damage those nails did.

    -chris
    #caveman








    ------------------------------
    I don't always play the piano, but when i do, I prefer my own.
    chernobieffpiano.com
    chrisppff@gmail.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Exposed Bridge Pins

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-03-2018 09:21
    Chris,

    You mean neither you nor they knew what you were getting into before this?

    Pwg

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



  • 6.  RE: Exposed Bridge Pins

    Posted 09-03-2018 09:43
    Pretty much! 
    She's a return client I have restored 2 pianos for before. Both pianos and all her possessions were destroyed in the Gatlinburg fire. She's inherited this piano and opted just to send it to my shop to restore. I'll learn more later I'm sure.
    -chris

    ------------------------------
    I don't always play the piano, but when i do, I prefer my own.
    chernobieffpiano.com
    chrisppff@gmail.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Exposed Bridge Pins

    Member
    Posted 09-03-2018 09:48
    just when you thought you had seen it all is the piano any good ????

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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  • 8.  RE: Exposed Bridge Pins

    Posted 09-03-2018 10:19
    Well Hi James,
    It's a Vose and Sons. At the risk of embarrassing myself, I recorded one of my favorite pieces on it "as is" for giggles. It's to be part of my before and after series that i am preparing. It obviously has not been serviced in a while.

    Pink Panther on an unmaintained Vose and Sons piano

    -chris

    ------------------------------
    I don't always play the piano, but when i do, I prefer my own.
    chernobieffpiano.com
    chrisppff@gmail.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Exposed Bridge Pins

    Member
    Posted 09-03-2018 19:10

    Chris.....

    You "nailed" the Pink Panther

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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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  • 10.  RE: Exposed Bridge Pins

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-04-2018 15:09
    So she clearly has confidence in your abilities and practice. That makes much more sense. 

    Nice job on PP.  Will be interested to hear it in it's restored state!

    Pwg

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