Pianotech

  • 1.  another plate crack

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-04-2022 12:03
      |   view attached
    Just wondering, how bad does this look at first glance? Even if it poses no structural issue, does it affect the value X percent?
    Is a seller obligated to disclose?
    thanks!

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    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
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  • 2.  RE: another plate crack

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-04-2022 12:09
    The crack does not look like an issue.  If the customer is considering selling the piano, you could write your evaluation on your letter head to show potential buyers confirming the small crack is of no consequence. 



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: another plate crack

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-04-2022 16:19
      |   view attached
    It doesn't look good to me, Scott.

    I just zoomed in on the crack and circled some other points of interest.

    Paul.



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: another plate crack

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-04-2022 16:54
    Paul, good eye. I'll be taking another look at the piano in August. How would one properly evaluate the situation? Remove the plate screw and a couple of tuning pins and see how far down the crack extends?

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    Scott Cole, RPT
    rvpianotuner.com
    Talent, OR
    (541-601-9033
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: another plate crack

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-04-2022 17:12
    Hi Scott,

    I just want to see underneath those two trichords. Lightly easing the tension and lifting up those wires should be sufficient.

    Paul.

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    Paul Brown, RPT
    Past President
    Piano Technicians Guild
    Vancouver, BC Canada
    Email: ipp@ptg.org
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: another plate crack

    Posted 07-04-2022 19:13
      |   view attached
    Here's a little clearer image.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
    mailto:jonpage@comcast.net
    http://www.pianocapecod.com
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: another plate crack

    Member
    Posted 07-04-2022 20:00
    I am wondering if someone cranked down on that screw to cause the crack . To test the depth of the crack maybe try some automotive engine feeler gauges . I think it is impossible to really determine how bad it is without removing the plate. Perhaps it is nothing to worry about but perhaps it will grow when the piano is moved.

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    James Kelly
    Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
    Pawleys Island SC
    (843) 325-4357
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: another plate crack

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-05-2022 08:12
    I see the potential for serious liability here with this crack. There is something going on underneath, or a defect within the casting. It could get worse and/or there may be other hidden defects to worry about.

    It's definitely your job to bring it out in the open. Let the owner get a second opinion if they don't like yours, or contact the manufacturer. It's clearly not an "old" piano. 

    It's stuff like this getting ignored that makes bridges collapse (seemingly) unexpectedly. 

    That's my opinion FWIW.

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: another plate crack

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 07-05-2022 11:39
    Scott,
    What is the brand? Some brands like Bechstein, for instance, are known for plates cracking, especially in just that tenor section.

    Joe Wiencek
    NYC


    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: another plate crack

    Posted 07-05-2022 13:53
    Scott, if you search this list serve for "plate crack" there was another interesting discussion April 15, 2015.  I see that Wim referred there to the potential to "explode", someone else used the word "implode", and more.  18-20 tons (or more) of tension has a lot of potential energy.  When you include thermal and humidity stresses into the equation, you should consider keeping the lid closed while tuning. Watch for any signs of the tuning not holding.
    More to the point, along the lines of what Peter indicated, perhaps you should keep any verbal or written evaluation to pointing out that the plate has a crack, point out that it could be an issue, and that it could have consequences.  Dollar value could be very low if you (or I) would not recommend its purchase by someone seeking our advice.
    Regards, Norman.

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    Norman Brickman
    Potomac Piano Service
    Potomac, Maryland
    potomacpiano@verizon.net
    https://potomacpiano.com
    (301) 983.9321
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    Original Message