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Joined: Jun 2003
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Spotting visual defects is a far cry from knowing what the affect of those defects is on the sound.
Semipro Tech
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BDB, I am curious, have you ever heard a piano that the soundboard was beyond repair if the desired outcome of any repairs was to restore the piano to like new performance and serviceability?
In a seemingly infinite universe-infinite human creativity is-seemingly possible. According to NASA, 93% of the earth like planets possible in the known universe have yet to be formed. Contact: toneman1@me.com
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Yes. It was a spinet that had spent time in a bathroom. Of course, it was not worth doing anything with the piano except to scrap it.
More to the point, there are a lot of pianos that I have restored to at least as good outcome without replacing the soundboard, and they would not have been restored at all if I insisted on replacing it.
Semipro Tech
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Spotting visual defects is a far cry from knowing what the affect of those defects is on the sound. Hmm. BDB I'm not sure what axe you're trying to grind. I'm not a rebuilder - as I think is clear - but I have deep respect for those who have mastered that art and craft. If you have a point or position you are wanting to advocate, perhaps it would be best if you state it. Are you against replacing soundboards?
Pianist and Piano Teacher
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After a long search, and much research on this forum and elsewhere, last May I picked up an 1887 M&H 6'2" screwstringer with an absolutely delicious sound. I don't know if it's the original voice or not (I expect is is, or at least close), and I don't really care. I played a whole lot of pianos before I found the sound and touch I was looking for. I came down to this, or a 1927 Steinway M. The Steinway needed more work sooner. The fact that it's an M&H and a screwstringer to boot actually appealed to me. So far, rock solid tuning stability. And yes, the soundboard is cracked. In more than one place. But the ribs are tight, and this thing flat out sings. Plenty of sustain in the upper registers, no buzzing. I will probably restring in 5 years or so. When I do, I may have the plate and soundboard refinished, but I doubt I'll shim it. This piano has earned it's cracks, and I think conservation is in order for this one, as opposed to repair or replacement.
If you like the sound and the way it plays, and your tech gives it a clean bill of health, don't worry about cracks.
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Joined: Apr 2013
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Oasis,
What's a "screwstringer"?
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Joined: May 2013
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Here you go: M&H screwstringer photo essay No pins pressed into wood, far more tolerant of changes in temperature and humidity. I'd really love to see M&H bring this back. Edit: This guy really did an impressive job with this rebuild.
Last edited by Oasismfg; 08/27/13 05:42 PM.
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Greg, If you can find your way back to my shop, I have a 9' M&H screw stringer. So you can experience one in person if you care to. It plays but does need restoration. Don't know when I will get to it.
In a seemingly infinite universe-infinite human creativity is-seemingly possible. According to NASA, 93% of the earth like planets possible in the known universe have yet to be formed. Contact: toneman1@me.com
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Joined: Apr 2013
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Ed,
Thanks for the suggestion! I would love to come back for a visit, and bring some friends with me if I can get them (read: bribe, threaten) to come along.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 617
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Ed,
Thanks for the suggestion! I would love to come back for a visit, and bring some friends with me if I can get them (read: bribe, threaten) to come along. I want to go. Where? When?
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Joined: Apr 2013
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Neil,
We will make a plan!
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Joined: May 2010
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Well, I ended up going with the AA and it finally got here a few days ago. Asside from the sustain solenoid clicking, I'm really impressed at how non-mechanical the LX sounds. The AA really sounds good in every way. I love sitting next to the lid to listen to everything. Here are a couple of youtube videos I took of it in action. It does still need some adjusting after the journey. MH AA MH AA-2
Last edited by jrm1504; 10/28/13 02:22 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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Congratulations on your M&H AA! What a lovely piano! And, who's playing it in the videos? Oh yea, it's almost Halloween... Rick
Piano enthusiast and amateur musician: "Treat others the way you would like to be treated". Yamaha C7. YouTube Channel
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Pianist and Piano Teacher
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Good for you! Enjoy it thoroughly.
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Er. How do soundboards 'fatigue'? Is that another way of saying they lose their crown, or does it mean something else?
Thank you --
thorn
-- Sometimes I poke. Even if I like you.
1920's Mason & Hamlin A
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Really nice sound! Congratulations on your AA!! I may be biased, but I love the Mason & Hamlin sound!!!
1918 Mason & Hamlin BB 1906 Mason & Hamlin Es
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A nice and characteristic old AA. However the treble is voiced up to a level that I would consider ridiculous. In particular, listening to that top E-flat could make one mental in short order. I feared for the poor dog.
Karl Watson, Staten Island, NY
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Jrm,
Congratulations!
Enjoy - Enjoy - Enjoy!
Marty in Minnesota
It's much easier to bash a Steinway than it is to play one.
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Piano
by Gino2 - 04/17/24 02:34 PM
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Piano
by Gino2 - 04/17/24 02:23 PM
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