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Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 3
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 3 |
Hi! I want to get my 1915 Stulzt Bros upright piano tuned, but the plate is craked between the tuning pins. Should I be worried to get it tuned? Should I repair it? What should I do about it? ![[Linked Image]](https://forum.pianoworld.com//gallery/42/full/14911.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](https://forum.pianoworld.com//gallery/42/full/14912.jpg)
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 32,060
Yikes! 10000 Post Club Member
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Yikes! 10000 Post Club Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 32,060 |
Those cracks are not structural, so you should not worry about them. There are more important problems with a 106 year old piano, like the irregular hammers, but repairs do not make economic sense. You could get it tuned, and see what it is like, or just replace it with something in better condition.
Semipro Tech
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Joined: Apr 2021
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OP
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Those cracks are not structural Thanks! How can you tell the cracks are not structural?
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,633
1000 Post Club Member
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1000 Post Club Member
Joined: May 2001
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That crack runs down past the tuning pins. I zoomed in to where the strings actually touch the plate, and it appears the plate has shifted downward slightly on the right side of the crack (or up on the left side). How does it sound? Is it horrendously out of tune? It may be that it has cracked as much as it's going to. But, if I were called to tune this, most likely I would not tune it. If you do call someone to tune it, make sure you mention the cracked plate before setting an appointment.
Eric Gloo
Piano Technician
Certified Dampp-Chaser Installer
Richfield Springs, New York
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 294
Full Member
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Full Member
Joined: May 2012
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Below the bearing bar, the paint has been touched up (quite badly), which suggests the crack happened, the piano was "repaired" and re-strung, then the crack continued above the bearing bar after stringing. That points at the frame still being on the move. I wouldn't tune this 
Started work at the Blüthner piano re-building workshop in Perivale, UK, in 1989. Self employed since 2000. Learning something new about pianos every day...  #hamiltonpianos http://www.hamiltonpianos.com/
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Joined: Jun 2011
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I can clearly see the crack under the strings as well there. This is a serious problem, I'm think.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,202
3000 Post Club Member
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3000 Post Club Member
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Below the bearing bar, the paint has been touched up (quite badly), which suggests the crack happened, the piano was "repaired" and re-strung, then the crack continued above the bearing bar after stringing. That points at the frame still being on the move. I wouldn't tune this Maybe it wasn't in fact re-strung, and the "repair" was an amateur with epoxy or something, hoping for the best, and re-touching the paint with a little brush between the strings. I would think this piano is at the end of its useful life.....
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Joined: May 2007
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The bearing bar, including the screw heads, appears to have been painted with the same gold paint as the plate crack.
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Joined: Feb 2018
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The bearing bar, including the screw heads, appears to have been painted with the same gold paint as the plate crack. And there seems to be a crack in the bearing bar itself as well.
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Joined: May 2007
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3000 Post Club Member
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Yes, and as has been pointed out, the shift in position between the two sides of the crack is clearly visible there.
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