Pianotech

In servicing a 1969 Baldwin Acrasonic spinet for a new client, in running my fingers up the keys I observed a very thin tone in the bass bichord section. The piano had been neglected for years and purchased at auction. My client told me the piano had been in a neighbors living room near a wood burning fireplace for years. I found the bass bridge cap had separated from the bridge from the bichord end of the bass bridge. Pressing the bridge cap, the notes sounded like any other Acrasonic that I have tuned. 
   I would like to propose a field service repair. I would start by raising the dampers with a wedge placed over the sustain pedal,detuning the bass bichord stings, taking them off the hitch pins and loop them in order through a curtain rod and let hang, then working some adhesive under the cap and pull back to align with bridge. Then return the strings and tune up. 
   Is there a better way to do this without moving the piano into a shop or using an upright tilter in the home? Would the tension of the bass strings be sufficient to act as an effective clamp for a good bond? There is room to drill a hole near the end of the bridge cap and use a wood screw down. Any advise on this procedure? Also what glue might be the best, CA, Epoxy, Gorilla?
   I did a pitch raise and tuning before leaving and the tuning remained stable with no buzz or other issues from several separations in the soundboard that I had also found. The owner is content with enjoying this piano in her retirement years despite the weak tone in the upper bass yet got excited if I could to this repair in her home after listening to the difference when I struck the bichord notes while pressing down on the bridge cap.





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Kevin Magill
Williamsburg VA
757-220-2420
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What I would do is to simply install a round head wood screw into the space at the end of the bridge to secure the cap to the body. First drill a pilot hole that is the diameter of the shank at the threads. Then insert a pallet knife blade under the cap and drill for the shoulder of the shank thru the cap (the blade prevents the drill from entering the bridge body. Install the screw and that should firm things up enough to clear up the tone. No glue needed. Other screws may need to be installed further down the cap. There is no need to make a big production of it since the piano is probably nearing the end of its serviceable life. I've done this many times.

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Regards,

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@pianocapecod.com
http://www.pianocapecod.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-30-2020 06:29
From: Kevin Magill
Subject: Field Service Bridge Cap Repair

In servicing a 1969 Baldwin Acrasonic spinet for a new client, in running my fingers up the keys I observed a very thin tone in the bass bichord section. The piano had been neglected for years and purchased at auction. My client told me the piano had been in a neighbors living room near a wood burning fireplace for years. I found the bass bridge cap had separated from the bridge from the bichord end of the bass bridge. Pressing the bridge cap, the notes sounded like any other Acrasonic that I have tuned.
   I would like to propose a field service repair. I would start by raising the dampers with a wedge placed over the sustain pedal,detuning the bass bichord stings, taking them off the hitch pins and loop them in order through a curtain rod and let hang, then working some adhesive under the cap and pull back to align with bridge. Then return the strings and tune up.
   Is there a better way to do this without moving the piano into a shop or using an upright tilter in the home? Would the tension of the bass strings be sufficient to act as an effective clamp for a good bond? There is room to drill a hole near the end of the bridge cap and use a wood screw down. Any advise on this procedure? Also what glue might be the best, CA, Epoxy, Gorilla?
   I did a pitch raise and tuning before leaving and the tuning remained stable with no buzz or other issues from several separations in the soundboard that I had also found. The owner is content with enjoying this piano in her retirement years despite the weak tone in the upper bass yet got excited if I could to this repair in her home after listening to the difference when I struck the bichord notes while pressing down on the bridge cap.

------------------------------
Kevin Magill
Williamsburg VA
757-220-2420
------------------------------

Main reason it happen - negative down bearing.Dry season is good time to check on it. Any regluing eventually will end ups with the same separation. I affraid you need to make new cap , taller than original is to obtain positive downbearing.

Alexander Brusilovsky


Original Message------

In servicing a 1969 Baldwin Acrasonic spinet for a new client, in running my fingers up the keys I observed a very thin tone in the bass bichord section. The piano had been neglected for years and purchased at auction. My client told me the piano had been in a neighbors living room near a wood burning fireplace for years. I found the bass bridge cap had separated from the bridge from the bichord end of the bass bridge. Pressing the bridge cap, the notes sounded like any other Acrasonic that I have tuned. 
   I would like to propose a field service repair. I would start by raising the dampers with a wedge placed over the sustain pedal,detuning the bass bichord stings, taking them off the hitch pins and loop them in order through a curtain rod and let hang, then working some adhesive under the cap and pull back to align with bridge. Then return the strings and tune up. 
   Is there a better way to do this without moving the piano into a shop or using an upright tilter in the home? Would the tension of the bass strings be sufficient to act as an effective clamp for a good bond? There is room to drill a hole near the end of the bridge cap and use a wood screw down. Any advise on this procedure? Also what glue might be the best, CA, Epoxy, Gorilla?
   I did a pitch raise and tuning before leaving and the tuning remained stable with no buzz or other issues from several separations in the soundboard that I had also found. The owner is content with enjoying this piano in her retirement years despite the weak tone in the upper bass yet got excited if I could to this repair in her home after listening to the difference when I struck the bichord notes while pressing down on the bridge cap.

------------------------------
Kevin Magill
Williamsburg VA
757-220-2420
------------------------------

I have done this repair a few times in the field. Similar to Jon Page’s description, though I used glue. With screws there won’t be worry about the cap lifting again. If the bridge pins are very loose, you can swab the holes with epoxy and re-insert to clean up the tone a bit more.

I would pull the action out to give yourself room to work. You’ll thank yourself for not turning the job into a spinet damper replacement job as well.

Joe Wiencek


Original Message------

In servicing a 1969 Baldwin Acrasonic spinet for a new client, in running my fingers up the keys I observed a very thin tone in the bass bichord section. The piano had been neglected for years and purchased at auction. My client told me the piano had been in a neighbors living room near a wood burning fireplace for years. I found the bass bridge cap had separated from the bridge from the bichord end of the bass bridge. Pressing the bridge cap, the notes sounded like any other Acrasonic that I have tuned. 
   I would like to propose a field service repair. I would start by raising the dampers with a wedge placed over the sustain pedal,detuning the bass bichord stings, taking them off the hitch pins and loop them in order through a curtain rod and let hang, then working some adhesive under the cap and pull back to align with bridge. Then return the strings and tune up. 
   Is there a better way to do this without moving the piano into a shop or using an upright tilter in the home? Would the tension of the bass strings be sufficient to act as an effective clamp for a good bond? There is room to drill a hole near the end of the bridge cap and use a wood screw down. Any advise on this procedure? Also what glue might be the best, CA, Epoxy, Gorilla?
   I did a pitch raise and tuning before leaving and the tuning remained stable with no buzz or other issues from several separations in the soundboard that I had also found. The owner is content with enjoying this piano in her retirement years despite the weak tone in the upper bass yet got excited if I could to this repair in her home after listening to the difference when I struck the bichord notes while pressing down on the bridge cap.

------------------------------
Kevin Magill
Williamsburg VA
757-220-2420
------------------------------

You can do this repair from the backside of the piano going into the bridge and just into the cap. You will need to get glue into the space between the bridge cap and the bridge body and if there is any space between the bottom of the bridge and soundboard. i have done a similar repair on several Baldwins where the bridge became unglued from the soundboard. I use something called a Miller dowel that comes in two sizes and has a tapered drill bit. Use a small drill bit and go through the bridge cap, bridge and soundboard these holes will help mark where need to drill the holes for the miller dowels. You could use drywall screws as well but I prefer miller dowels because they are made of wood. I saw a slot on the head of the dowel and use it like a screw. You may have to loosen just a few strings so you can get the drill bit pilot hole. Your approach is way too much work . I believe the miller dowel system is sold by Woodcraft or Rockler

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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-30-2020 06:29
From: Kevin Magill
Subject: Field Service Bridge Cap Repair

In servicing a 1969 Baldwin Acrasonic spinet for a new client, in running my fingers up the keys I observed a very thin tone in the bass bichord section. The piano had been neglected for years and purchased at auction. My client told me the piano had been in a neighbors living room near a wood burning fireplace for years. I found the bass bridge cap had separated from the bridge from the bichord end of the bass bridge. Pressing the bridge cap, the notes sounded like any other Acrasonic that I have tuned.
   I would like to propose a field service repair. I would start by raising the dampers with a wedge placed over the sustain pedal,detuning the bass bichord stings, taking them off the hitch pins and loop them in order through a curtain rod and let hang, then working some adhesive under the cap and pull back to align with bridge. Then return the strings and tune up.
   Is there a better way to do this without moving the piano into a shop or using an upright tilter in the home? Would the tension of the bass strings be sufficient to act as an effective clamp for a good bond? There is room to drill a hole near the end of the bridge cap and use a wood screw down. Any advise on this procedure? Also what glue might be the best, CA, Epoxy, Gorilla?
   I did a pitch raise and tuning before leaving and the tuning remained stable with no buzz or other issues from several separations in the soundboard that I had also found. The owner is content with enjoying this piano in her retirement years despite the weak tone in the upper bass yet got excited if I could to this repair in her home after listening to the difference when I struck the bichord notes while pressing down on the bridge cap.

------------------------------
Kevin Magill
Williamsburg VA
757-220-2420
------------------------------

One can over-engineer anything but just bang a screw or two in and be done with it.

------------------------------
Regards,

Jon Page
mailto:jonpage@pianocapecod.com
http://www.pianocapecod.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-31-2020 11:34
From: James Kelly
Subject: Field Service Bridge Cap Repair

You can do this repair from the backside of the piano going into the bridge and just into the cap. You will need to get glue into the space between the bridge cap and the bridge body and if there is any space between the bottom of the bridge and soundboard. i have done a similar repair on several Baldwins where the bridge became unglued from the soundboard. I use something called a Miller dowel that comes in two sizes and has a tapered drill bit. Use a small drill bit and go through the bridge cap, bridge and soundboard these holes will help mark where need to drill the holes for the miller dowels. You could use drywall screws as well but I prefer miller dowels because they are made of wood. I saw a slot on the head of the dowel and use it like a screw. You may have to loosen just a few strings so you can get the drill bit pilot hole. Your approach is way too much work . I believe the miller dowel system is sold by Woodcraft or Rockler

------------------------------
James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357

Original Message:
Sent: 01-30-2020 06:29
From: Kevin Magill
Subject: Field Service Bridge Cap Repair

In servicing a 1969 Baldwin Acrasonic spinet for a new client, in running my fingers up the keys I observed a very thin tone in the bass bichord section. The piano had been neglected for years and purchased at auction. My client told me the piano had been in a neighbors living room near a wood burning fireplace for years. I found the bass bridge cap had separated from the bridge from the bichord end of the bass bridge. Pressing the bridge cap, the notes sounded like any other Acrasonic that I have tuned.
   I would like to propose a field service repair. I would start by raising the dampers with a wedge placed over the sustain pedal,detuning the bass bichord stings, taking them off the hitch pins and loop them in order through a curtain rod and let hang, then working some adhesive under the cap and pull back to align with bridge. Then return the strings and tune up.
   Is there a better way to do this without moving the piano into a shop or using an upright tilter in the home? Would the tension of the bass strings be sufficient to act as an effective clamp for a good bond? There is room to drill a hole near the end of the bridge cap and use a wood screw down. Any advise on this procedure? Also what glue might be the best, CA, Epoxy, Gorilla?
   I did a pitch raise and tuning before leaving and the tuning remained stable with no buzz or other issues from several separations in the soundboard that I had also found. The owner is content with enjoying this piano in her retirement years despite the weak tone in the upper bass yet got excited if I could to this repair in her home after listening to the difference when I struck the bichord notes while pressing down on the bridge cap.

------------------------------
Kevin Magill
Williamsburg VA
757-220-2420
------------------------------