If you want to find the serial number look on the top of the lyre after removing it Another place it could be is stamped into the soundboard.
You may need to tap the lyre with a rubber mallet if it uses the butterfly locking plate like Steinways have
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
(843) 325-4357
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-18-2023 18:55
From: Rex Roseman
Subject: Chickering Grand Back Action
A follow up on the back action work I had asked about. I was incorrect on the make of the piano. What I get for doing it from memory and not checking my notes. I was a Knabe, which meant that the dampers were attached with the more traditional barrel and screw setup. The damper flanges were glued into the damper tray with a strip of wood glued on the top. All of the glue joints were suspect so I drilled and installed screws in the flanges. The clue that I was looking for was that the damper levers were aligned to the back of the keys. I used the strip of wood that had been on top of the dampers as an alignment gauge to set the damper levers. There was residue of hide glue that had squeezed out and that gave a very clear spacing template for realigning the damper levers when they were screwed down. The project went without a hitch and I didn't have to do any wire bending to get the dampers to work.
Thank you for your help. The comment on what to align to was the key to a successful job.
Rex Roseman
Original Message:
Sent: 11/22/2023 10:52:00 PM
From: James Kelly
Subject: RE: Chickering Grand Back Action
Someone here has the same vintage and he just sent the keys out for new keytops and bushings. It also had a player that was taken out. Serial was stenciled on a plate strut and it was 1921 built in Boston. Take pictures of what you have. Next week I will try to do the same.
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
(843) 325-4357
Original Message:
Sent: 11-22-2023 07:57
From: Rex Roseman
Subject: Chickering Grand Back Action
I am working on a Chickering Grand with the damper levers basically falling off. They are no longer attached and are loose in the piano. I was unable to find a serial number, but the piano had an Ampico player in it at one time, so I am guessing it is from around the 1920's.
Two questions:
1. Is anyone familiar with this era Chickering back action that they can let me know how the damper levers were attached?
2. I am anticipating that I will need to drill holes in the flanges and the mounting "rail" and reattach the levers. When doing this with a replacement back action, what is the procedures for making sure that the damper levers are correctly aligned to the strings and damper guide rail.
Any other advice on this job would also be appreciated.
Thank you.
Rex Roseman
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Rex Roseman
Norton OH
(330) 289-2948
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