Pianotech

  • 1.  How to find a part no longer available from manufacturer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2023 16:51

    Hello Friends,

    A client has an Estonia 5'6" grand model 168 ca 1999.

    After a move, the corner brackets of both lid hinges were lost.

    I have been in contact with Estonia and they no longer have that part available. The hinges they have now are not the right size, by a long shot.

    I have looked online and cannot find a good match. I am reluctant to repurpose a bad match because that would mean altering the high gloss finish.

    How do I go about either finding or creating a part that the manufacturer no longer has?

    A machinist? A 3D printer?

    Thanks, Ashley Turner



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    Ashley Turner
    Ashburn, VA
    703-657-9404
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  • 2.  RE: How to find a part no longer available from manufacturer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2023 17:31
    Ashley

    You might have to improvise and buy hinges that are close, and then drill new holes in the case and the lid. This is not an easy job and will require you hire someone to help take the lid off numerous times to line everything line up. It will help to get someone who has done this before. 

    Wim





  • 3.  RE: How to find a part no longer available from manufacturer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-28-2023 18:25

    Find a good machinist who can make a "twin" of the existing part.  Make a pattern of the missing part;s location on rim and inside of case if necessary.



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    Parker Leigh RPT
    Winchester VA
    (540) 722-3865
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  • 4.  RE: How to find a part no longer available from manufacturer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-29-2023 14:31

    Ashley, 

    This may sound a bit extreme, however it appears that as a result of the movers neglect and ineptitude, the piano has now been rendered useless under normal operating conditions. In fact it could easily be argued that it is also now a danger to whoever may try to use it since if they are not aware of the hinge issue and lift the lid trouble will shortly ensue. 

    Speaking of suing (pun intended)...the moving company should be held responsible for any and all costs involved, including complete replacement of the piano if necessary. It is no longer the instrument it was prior to the move and may not be able to made whole under any circumstances. This is what insurance is supposed be for...the unintended occurrence that damages the article. It may require a lawsuit as movers (as a general rule) attempt to wriggle out of any liability whatsoever. (Often all it requires is a "friendly" letter from a respected lawfirm concerning the matter to get their attention).  If the moving company is informed that due to the way they left the piano (in an unsafe condition) they will be held fully responsible if anything further occurs as a result...

    Perhaps you have already discussed this with the owners and the moving company. 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 5.  RE: How to find a part no longer available from manufacturer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-29-2023 15:31
    Good point, Peter. 

    As I mentioned, replacing the hinges requires at least another person to lift the lid on and off. The moving company could reduce the charges by having one or two of their men do that work. 

    Wim





  • 6.  RE: How to find a part no longer available from manufacturer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-30-2023 14:06
    Hi Ashley, 
     I'm rereading your email.

    1-there is no timeline.  So I'm concluding you are coming into this problem after another technician had the same problem as you are having.  Movers are probably long gone, if not has any tried contacting the mover and maybe the place the piano was before it got moved? 

    2-if there has been a repair was it just the rim parts that were replaced?  Do you have a piece of original hinge. 

    3-I wonder if you could somehow make a pattern of the holes and send it to a service company "custom brass parts manufacturing" they would want to know the thickness of the stock. I would think also the thickness of the rim and hole pattern on both lid and rim the size of the holes.

    I am surprised that Estonia couldn't lead you to their supplier of brass hardware.  They probably have the pattern still.  Just a thought.
    Sent from Gmail Mobile





  • 7.  RE: How to find a part no longer available from manufacturer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-30-2023 20:18

    Particularly good advice from Jessica and Parker. Short of modifying/making substitute hinge components you might try reaching out to Estonia's owner (Indrek Laul); on the occasions I've met him he strikes me as one who would exceed expectations in terms of helping with patterns, etc. as Jessica suggested. Along the lines of Peter's observations, it should be the movers and their insurance representatives who foot the open ended bill (your time, some skilled machinist's time, etc.). Good luck!



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    Patrick Draine RPT
    Billerica MA
    (978) 663-9690
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  • 8.  RE: How to find a part no longer available from manufacturer

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 10-30-2023 21:22
    Ashley,
    I think if you went with custom and screw pattern you will need to measure how far that the lid passes the outer rim so that the rolled hinge pin part doesn't go past the edge of the lid.  

    I've worked on several damaged rims and hinges but haven't had the problems of not finding matching parts until recently. 
    Please let us know how this works out, good luck!