Pianotech

Hello,

A good client and friend just acquired a early 1870's Chickering square grand.  It is an impressive instrument (for a square grand) and has a full 88 keys.  First off, 1) the client knows that these are inferior instruments and he got it because he liked the cabinet and feels like it's an interesting piece of history, 2) we have agreed that we are not going to bring it up to concert pitch, 3) he is not looking to rebuild it but just fix the less "in depth" aspects so that it sounds and plays "ok." We also agreed on an hourly rate and he has multiple other pianos, so he is not depending on me finishing quickly so he can play piano. Enough background.

A number of jacks were not returning, and my investigation showed that a number of the strings on the jack that attach to the spring on the other section (I don't know the name, see photos) were broken.  The strings were originally held in place with a very small dowel (see photo with arrow).  At some point, a number of strings were repaired, but they keep breaking and before I could make a suggestion, the client said just take them home and replace them all. My question is this: what kind of string would you recommend using to reattach the jack to the spring? My first thought was to use spring cord (Schwander-style upright action). Second thought was a braided fishing line (like Spiderwire).  Third thought, ask this forum.  :)

Thanks!  

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Tim Foster
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
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Not sure if other photos went through, take two:

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Tim Foster
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
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Last one:

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Tim Foster
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2023 16:07
From: Tim Foster
Subject: Square grand jack springs

Not sure if other photos went through, take two:

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Tim Foster
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
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Hi Tim:

You may be able to punch out the small plug that holds the spring cord with center pin pliers.  If not, drill them out.  You can use small toothpicks or whatever to replace them.  As far as what to use, you can use the silk cord or whatever the supply houses sell, or get the Spiderwire spool and keep it for these kinds of jobs.  More than a lifetime supply I'm sure.  The piano will turn to dust before the cord deteriorates.  I'm sure either way will last many years.

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Paul McCloud, RPT
Accutone Piano Service
www.AccutonePianoService.com
pavadasa@gmail.com
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Paul and Wim,

Great info! I tried pushing out a couple with a center pin pliers and they came right out. 

Wim, sewing thread seems to be what was used, would that be preferable over a stronger cord like braided fishing line?  And yes, I’m doing the whole set.

Thank you!

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Tim Foster
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2023 16:23
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Square grand jack springs

Hi Tim

This is one of most common repairs that need to be done on square grands. The repair is easy, but very time consuming. 

You need to drill out the dowels and have round tooth picks ready to fill the holes. Use thin sewing thread. Push it through the spring and then through the hole. Tighten the thread to put a little tension on the spring. Plug the hole with a toothpick, add some glue, cut the thread and the toothpick. After doing a few, you'll get the hang of it. 

I would suggest you do all of them, because sooner or later, they're all going to break, so you might as well get it over with. 

Wim

Original Message:
Sent: 6/15/2023 4:32:00 PM
From: Tim Foster
Subject: RE: Square grand jack springs

Paul and Wim,

Great info! I tried pushing out a couple with a center pin pliers and they came right out. 

Wim, sewing thread seems to be what was used, would that be preferable over a stronger cord like braided fishing line?  And yes, I’m doing the whole set.

Thank you!

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Tim Foster
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
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When i repair them i use the commercial grade thread which i get at hobby lobby. Looks like regular thread but you cant break it.

You'll also most likely have to repair the small springs. I make them with a small drill bit in a hand drill. If i remember correctly i used size .009. steel. Or it may have been .012.

-chris

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Chernobieff Piano Restorations
All the elements are known, and yet no combination there of creates life. Yet we are here.
865-986-7720 (text only please)
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2023 17:12
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Square grand jack springs

The thickness of the thread needs to be thin enough to loop into the spring. That loop is very small. 

Original Message:
Sent: 6/15/2023 4:32:00 PM
From: Tim Foster
Subject: RE: Square grand jack springs

Paul and Wim,

Great info! I tried pushing out a couple with a center pin pliers and they came right out.

Wim, sewing thread seems to be what was used, would that be preferable over a stronger cord like braided fishing line?  And yes, I'm doing the whole set.

Thank you!

------------------------------
Tim Foster
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2023 16:23
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Square grand jack springs

Hi Tim

This is one of most common repairs that need to be done on square grands. The repair is easy, but very time consuming. 

You need to drill out the dowels and have round tooth picks ready to fill the holes. Use thin sewing thread. Push it through the spring and then through the hole. Tighten the thread to put a little tension on the spring. Plug the hole with a toothpick, add some glue, cut the thread and the toothpick. After doing a few, you'll get the hang of it. 

I would suggest you do all of them, because sooner or later, they're all going to break, so you might as well get it over with. 

Wim

Small springs might be had from Lee Springs. https://www.leespring.com/micro-springs 

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Don Dalton
Chester VT
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-16-2023 00:47
From: Chris Chernobieff
Subject: Square grand jack springs

When i repair them i use the commercial grade thread which i get at hobby lobby. Looks like regular thread but you cant break it.

You'll also most likely have to repair the small springs. I make them with a small drill bit in a hand drill. If i remember correctly i used size .009. steel. Or it may have been .012.

-chris

------------------------------
Chernobieff Piano Restorations
All the elements are known, and yet no combination there of creates life. Yet we are here.
865-986-7720 (text only please)
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2023 17:12
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Square grand jack springs

The thickness of the thread needs to be thin enough to loop into the spring. That loop is very small. 

Original Message:
Sent: 6/15/2023 4:32:00 PM
From: Tim Foster
Subject: RE: Square grand jack springs

Paul and Wim,

Great info! I tried pushing out a couple with a center pin pliers and they came right out.

Wim, sewing thread seems to be what was used, would that be preferable over a stronger cord like braided fishing line?  And yes, I'm doing the whole set.

Thank you!

------------------------------
Tim Foster
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074


Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2023 16:23
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Square grand jack springs

Hi Tim

This is one of most common repairs that need to be done on square grands. The repair is easy, but very time consuming. 

You need to drill out the dowels and have round tooth picks ready to fill the holes. Use thin sewing thread. Push it through the spring and then through the hole. Tighten the thread to put a little tension on the spring. Plug the hole with a toothpick, add some glue, cut the thread and the toothpick. After doing a few, you'll get the hang of it. 

I would suggest you do all of them, because sooner or later, they're all going to break, so you might as well get it over with. 

Wim

Hello Tim,

My cord of preference is white spring cord that Pianotek (RIP) carried since I knew it was not going to stretch. After that my preference is thin .5mm whipping twine (also won't stretch). 

For the wooden plugs, I tend to stay away from toothpicks because the are usually waxed so the glue doesn't stick as well (I only use a tiny amount of glue to install). Depending on the type of plug used originally, I use either shoe pegs (like Schaff 6050) or what Pianotek used to sell as Bridge Repair Dowels. They're actually .085" applicator sticks and I've found that size used in a surprising number of old square and grand actions. Besides, they have tons of other uses in the shop, can be shaped to the job, and are dirt cheap. Pictures below so you can look up a source.

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Allan Gilreath, RPT
Registered Piano Technician & President
Allan Gilreath & Associates, Inc
Calhoun, GA
706-602-7667
allan@allangilreath.com - www.allangilreath.com
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