1918 NY SS-M question (Gene Nelson)

[Gene Nelson]

Thank you Ed and Israel,
I suppose that if I see virtigris at the flanges it is time for new parts. 
If not then you have given me some good information so that I can make 
repairs.
Gene

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Israel Stein " <custos3 at comcast.net>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, June 30, 2006 12:11 PM
Subject: 1918 NY SS-M question (Gene Nelson)


> On Fri Jun 30 11:01:38 2006  Gene Nelson wrote:
>
>>Some of the lift levers will pivot from left to right suggesting that the 
>>flanges have
>> broken glue joints (loose screws if screwed but I could not see back 
>> there)
>
> In 1918 Steinway underlever flanges were glued - not screwed. So yes, you 
> most likely have broken glue joints there. Back in Boston that was a 
> chronic condition with Steinway grands of a certain age...
>
>>Is it possible to repair these flanges? Is it possible to drill through 
>>the flange into
>> the rail and screw them into place? Is there a method to do this to 
>> flanges that
>> have glue joints that have not broken without breaking them?
>
> Yes, Gene, back in Boston that was standard procedure whenever a Steinway 
> with glued underlever flanges was restrung - whether loose or not (they 
> were going to get loose sooner or later - you can count on it in that 
> climate). The cost was built into any stringing job...
>
> Pull the back action, move the underlever springs out of the way. Use 4 x 
> 3/4 flathead screws. Drill a large/small screwhole (large enough through 
> the flange so the screw moves freely through it, small into the rail) and 
> countersink. Screw down every one of those flanges - whether the glue 
> joint broke or not. Put the springs back in place.
>
> Israel Stein
>
>