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!  

Not sure if other photos went through, take two:

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!  

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!  

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!  

Original Message:
Sent: 6/15/2023 4:02:00 PM
From: Tim Foster
Subject: Square grand jack springs

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!  

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

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

Original Message:
Sent: 6/15/2023 4:02:00 PM
From: Tim Foster
Subject: Square grand jack springs

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!  

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

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

Original Message:
Sent: 6/15/2023 4:02:00 PM
From: Tim Foster
Subject: Square grand jack springs

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!  

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

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

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

Original Message:
Sent: 6/15/2023 4:02:00 PM
From: Tim Foster
Subject: Square grand jack springs

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!  

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

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!