**UPDATE**
Ok, the client came out today. I gave them a tour of three piano plates that I have, explaining the different designs. Then I showed them the backframe and how the wood had failed to hold the support screws, that lead to the plate crack. It turns out this piano was in a house with no air conditioning and just a kerosene stove for heat in the winter, So for 40 years it was pretty much exposed to extreme humidity and dryness.
Then I showed them the proposed repairs. Then i explained that I have to install a new soundboard and install the plate (along with the additional support bolts i will be installing), then string it up to pitch to see if it will hold. I told them its pretty much a $5000 test/gamble. We should know once its strung, i'm sure.
Without hesitation they still want to proceed with the restoration. This piano has such strong memories for them.
I'll post some pics of the repairs and after the strings are installed.
Anyways, my conscience is clear.
-chris
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I don't always play the piano, but when i do, I prefer my own.
chernobieffpiano.com
grandpianoman@protonmail.com865-986-7720
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2018 09:35
From: Peter Grey
Subject: The Werner Upright Special
Chris,
THAT is a very prudent thing to do.
BTW, I think it can be repaired.
Pwg
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
603-686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 09-15-2018 07:07
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: The Werner Upright Special
Karl,
Very creative repair there. Nice! Perhaps, you could improve on it slightly with a "paint job?"
Roger,
I decided to heed your words of wisdom. Since i have the piano all apart, i decided to invite the client back to my shop and present the case to them. I figured, if I show them how the crack occurred, what the proposed repairs are, and talk about the risks involved, that if they want to proceed after that, i'll certainly feel more comfortable.
We'll see what happens.
Thanks All,
-chris
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I don't always play the piano, but when i do, I prefer my own.
chernobieffpiano.com
grandpianoman@protonmail.com
865-986-7720
Original Message:
Sent: 09-14-2018 21:50
From: Karl Roeder
Subject: The Werner Upright Special
Funny old world. As luck would have it the daughter of an old employer of mine who I'd not seen in 25 years contacted me recently and included a photo of a "repair of last resort" that I did back in 1988 or '89. She thought it'd be fun to remind me of the sort of foolishness I got up to back when the sun was young and the earth was small. The victim in this case was a GH1 that fell off a truck causing the plate to crack. The piano was destined for the dumpster and I was instructed to see if there was a way to salvage it for less than $100. As I was living what one of our salesmen called a Spartan athletic lifestyle at the time I have to admit that I was stone cold sober when I came up with the idea for a "splint". I went to a local machine shop, a dark forbidding place, more reminiscent of Hephaestus' forge than the clean well lit shop you see in Glen Hart's pictures. There I chose a piece of mild steel flat stock 1/4" thicker than the plate strut and had them make a channel as wide as the strut was tall and as deep as the strut was wide. That left 1/4" outside the strut which gave me just enough room for the damper next to the crack to function. The total length was such that It didn't touch the soundboard underneath or the music desk above. I originally planned to drill through the strut and bolt a 1/4" plate on the other side but after I hammered the fool thing on without causing death or grievous bodily injury I chickened out errrrr ..... decided to declare victory. My only consolation in all this is that my former employer's daughter who is a fine pianist in her own right has kept the piano for her own use all these years and it still holds a tune. After reading Mr Gable's very reasonable concerns regarding "amateurish" repairs I was moved to contribute if only to say: Sir; I resemble that remark.
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Karl Roeder
Pompano Beach FL
Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2018 10:00
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: The Werner Upright Special
Starting the complete restoration on an Werner upright piano for a client. This piano has been in their family for generations, and they are ok with spending the money on it. Iv'e attached a video (hilarious!) and three pictures of the surprises i keep finding.
Enjoy!
-chris
Pink Panther on a WAY out of tune Werner Upright Piano
Real |
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Pink Panther on a WAY out of tune Werner Upright Piano |
Going to be rebuilding this Werner Upright so this is the before Video. Plus, it's JUST PLAIN FUNNY!! |
View this on Real > |
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I love that fancy bass string.
I up for suggestions on the plate repair.
And we'll end with a fancy knot. Why KNot!
-Regards
-chris
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I don't always play the piano, but when i do, I prefer my own.
chernobieffpiano.com
grandpianoman@protonmail.com
865-986-7720
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