And then there's a guy who's already set up to do all of the above- David Hughes, who does vintage case parts. See his Journal ad in the Classifieds. There is a slight caveat, which is that these Baldwins had adjustable support rods, which consisted of a threaded stud and a thin roll pin inserted crossways. The roll pin fits into the support block under the keybed, along with the rod, and if you turn the rod it will adjust the length to get a perfect fit. If you get under the piano on one of these Baldwins, you'll see felt lined slots for the roll pins. It's a nice system. Whether you'd want to duplicate it is up to you.
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Paul McCloud, RPT
Accutone Piano Service
www.AccutonePianoService.compavadasa@gmail.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 07-03-2025 08:59
From: Norman Cantrell
Subject: Baldwin Lyre Braces
There's always the piano tuner approach to this problem. First you research the dimensions of the original. This is easy because there are a lot of Baldwin pianos out there for comparison. Next you purchase a wood lathe and spend a few hours learning how to use it. Then you make a pair then invest in a spray booth. Of course you will have to buy a whole gallon of black lacquer because that's the only way it comes from the paint store. Then you price the job to the customer at $75.00 because you know they won't pay what you really need for the job.
Second option is to send it out to another tuner you know who did the same thing a while back for a couple of Mason and Hamlin lyre braces. They need a second job to help cover the cost of the lathe and the lacquer. Of course you realize that black lacquer comes in different shades, so the chances of the Mason and Hamlin black being the same as what you need for the Baldwin are pretty slim.
Isn't this a fun industry to be a part of.
Original Message:
Sent: 7/2/2025 12:25:00 PM
From: Wim Blees
Subject: RE: Baldwin Lyre Braces
The original dowels had tapered ends to go in the holes in the lyre and the piano. But you can make your own from 3/4" dowels, painted black or whatever color the piano is.
Original Message:
Sent: 7/2/2025 12:18:00 PM
From: Nathan Monteleone
Subject: RE: Baldwin Lyre Braces
So I accidentally sent this to Rex as a direct message as well, and this was his reply:
"Thank you, but the braces for this piano are wooden. I have a set of the metal ones, but would prefer to get a set that would be original."
So he's looking for wooden ones if anyone knows a source.
Original Message:
Sent: 6/30/2025 9:26:00 PM
From: Nathan Monteleone
Subject: RE: Baldwin Lyre Braces
Schaff sells generic ones, ex. #770C is a 21" long version.
You could also try Howard Gustafson at Ragland Piano. He has a bunch of Baldwin stuff for sale, although when I looked at his ebay store I didn't see any lyre braces.
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Nathan Monteleone RPT
Fort Worth TX
(817) 675-9494
nbmont@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 06-30-2025 20:54
From: Rex Roseman
Subject: Baldwin Lyre Braces
I have a customer that is missing the lyre braces on their Baldwin Grand. Does anyone have any idea where a replacement set can be obtained? It is a Baldwin L #302814 in high gloss black. I measured that they should be 21 1/2" long.
Thank you.
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Rex Roseman
Norton OH
(330) 289-2948
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