Hi David
In a discussion with Jim Coleman (the PTG President) at NAMM last year, I discovered Jim has a "thing" for screwstringers. I think he owns a half dozen or so. Jim is a really nice guy and would probably be very enthused about sharing his knowledge about these pianos. I would contact him directly if I were you.
I do know that the "fly in the ointment" concerning these instruments is the part that connects the string to the tuning mechanism. If one breaks, I do not know where you would be able to get replacements. Fabrication may be cost prohibitive, unless someone knows a source that I don't... thats where Jim may be able to direct you better than I.
I happen to like these instruments, and service a couple of them, always wincing as I turn each string hoping beyond hope that nothing breaks. Nothing has. Yet.
I would be very interested in your progress on it.
There is a fine line between confidence and insanity when restoring obsolete systems, a line I continue to cross despite 36 years of rebuilding experience. I should know better by now, but the cocky young guy tends to win against the old wise guy. Perhaps extreme confidence can be defined as insanity. That may be a subject for the shrink.
Dave
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David Estey, RPT
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dave@esteypiano.com -------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-09-2012 14:43
From: David Fisher
Subject: Screw Stringer re-stringing
Hello everyone, this is my first post on this blog. I've been doing research on the Mason & Hamlin screw stringer piano's since I have a customer who wants her's re-done. I've noticed a lot of good comments about this type of setup being superior to normal pinblocked piano's, but also that they're a bear to re-string; since the string length has to be so precise to allow the piano to be tuned afterwards. I would appreciate any input, especially telling me if I shouldn't try the job and reasons why as soon as possible; I'm scheduling to pick it up soon if there is no reason not to.
Also, if I could get some ideas on where to get replacement parts for the mechanism it would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
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David Fisher
Salem VA
540-892-9685
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