The frame had to withstand 18 tons of tension and the company confirmed the repair was feasible but the strength would only be returned to 90%. Andrew suggested the possibility of further structural work, to save the piano, by applying a steel bracing bar across the lower edge of the crack and Metalock further proposed extending this to a new 'T' section arrangement (as pictured). With this work done the strength factor was considerably increased to over 100%, but when the piano was returned to the workshop, the new bar still had to be made to pass through the soundboard bridge without disturbance to the scale design and tone. We overcame this problem by making a bridge cap which was fitted over the new bar after the frame was installed. The piano was restrung and finished, then to the clients amazement returned home safe with the knowledge that the instrument would give many years of family service.

Cold stitch cast iron frame repairs by Metalock

The condition of the piano was one of neglect and indeed a sorry state, the soundboard was badly cracked and covered in alcoholic stains, the piano action worn out and the casework had suffered many chips and scratches.
On arrival at the workshop the piano was carefully dismantled and the soundboard cleaned to reveal the extent of dry atmosphere damage. We noticed how the piano had receieved a previous complete interior restoration some 40 years earlier and had to rework much of this along with restoring the recent damage to the soundboard. The casework had to undergo specialist work by an art restorer to clean and repaint damaged areas. Upon completion of the work the piano was returned to its former glory and now graces a stately home.

Knight upright piano-written off?

An elderly client was desperately seeking to repair the family piano which his father bought new in 1938 and had suffered a badly cracked frame due to building work outside his house. As the crack ran through the pin block the entire string tension was basically lost and the piano rendered useless. Various specialists assessed the piano but were unwilling to assist in any restoration work.
Our first impression of the damage was also to advise that the piano should be replaced due to the serious nature of the diagonal crack (pictured) and the complicated repair would be unlikely to succeed. There were no replacement frames available for this model but due to the customers persistance we suggested removing the frame and taking it to the Metalock Company for an examination of the crack. Their proven technique of cold stitch repair is widely used throughout the piano trade for minor cast iron frame repairs to 'arrest' cracks.

Sample Pianos

Bluthner grand piano with a regal history.

This piano has been a familiar sight in a Great Yarmouth hotel, and the story attached to this remarkable instrument is one of a gift from King Edward VII to mistress Lillie Langtry, both of whom were widely known to visit this area in the early part of the Century. The piano is circa 1906 and constructed in a French Louis XV style cabinet raised on carved cabriole legs. The case is painted and features a romantic theme of figures in various woodland scenes upon a gilt background.