To insure correct alignment, use the adjacent keys as splints. This way, length, level, and angles can be maintained.
Consider the position of the hole not only front to back to position the front of the key in line with adjacent keys
but side to side to position the rear end of the key and squareness. Having the hole centered might not be to optimal location.
I suppose to index the hole, remove the b/r pin. Place a punching in its location with a little glue on it. Drop the key in and position it
front and back. Lower onto the punching and let it become tacky.
It may be necessary to trim off the sides of the punching because if it is placed off-center, an over hang will not rip it off when the key is lifted.
Also position the punching parallel to the key stick angle at the b/r hole.
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Regards,
Jon Page
mailto:
jonpage@pianocapecod.comhttp://www.pianocapecod.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-03-2020 13:31
From: James Kelly
Subject: Balance Pin Key Hole Inserts
I am trying to figure out the best course of action after gluing back the two halves of a keystick that cracked in the middle of the key. I will post a picture of before and after. to make it clear how bad the break was I used strips of veneer to strengthen the key on both sides. The problem now is that the key will not totally drop into position and square up to the keys on either side. I suspect that the jagged broken pieces of the keystick did not stitch together correctly and the slightest twist is causing the problem. The balance hole itself was more oval than round after the repair. I used the Pianotek tool and the Flugelbauer tool gently to restore a round hole but it is hanging up. I have not gone into the house because it is for sale and has had showings over the last month and the college aged son just came back from college and is tele-collegeing. So.... I have done facetime to instruct him how to get the fallboard off and remove the keys. He put the key on the porch which I picked up and took home. I could possibly have him tap the balance pin toward the high treble but I am reluctant to advise that lest the pin gets nicked. I think an insert may be the best solution but the question is should it be forward or backward of the current hole. I have a keyframe here that I can try fitting the key on which could give me a clue,
Any advice from you all ? Should the key be perfectly flat when placed on a glass top table ?
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
843-325-4357
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