The picture below shows my piano: a restyled aluminum grand Rippen.



Untill recently I've experienced little or no problems. But last week I had difficulties when tuning my instrument. The middle octave was very unstable and sounded 'metallic'. On closer inspection I discovered a kind of 'gap' in the bridge where the 'difficult' strungs are situated. This gap is new (i.e. I never noticed it before and I don't see it on previous pictures taken during the restyling process).



Is this troublesome ? If so : what can be done about it ? Any idea about costs (piano is in Belgium)?

Thanks for your replies !!

Wim

Wim,

Do you know Chris Marne?

He has a Rippen and is familiar with the design.

Larry

You would want to know if the strings are pulling up in the bridges.

I know that Rippens are supposed to have reversed crowned boards. I am not familiar with what the bridge relationship to the strings is supposed to be.

Getting the cap back to the root is not complicated. You WILL want to know why it happened and correct that as well if you are able.

Larry,

Thank you for your answers.

Presumably my piano suffered from a sudden change in climate: we've had a period of frost followed by a relative milder weather type. I think the humidity changed too heavily.

As to Chris Maene: I haven't met him personally, but I do know the business(es) he runs. I might give him a call to ask his opinion.

Greetz,

Wim

Wim,

I have been to Chris's Business. He gave us a tour of his shop and Museum.
Very impressive !

He has a Rippen in his Museum.

Based on what I saw and heard, I would value his opinion.

I have not seen a Rippen grand, but if it built like a Lindner, you need to make sure that the bolts that fasten the soundboard to the frame are snug.

[quote=Larry Buck]You would want to know if the strings are pulling up in the bridges.

I know that Rippens are supposed to have reversed crowned boards. I am not familiar with what the bridge relationship to the strings is supposed to be.

/quote]

I believe that the Rippen was still designed to have positive bearing even with a reverse crown. Looks like this may not be the case here.