Splicing Grand Shanks

Focus On: Splicing Broken Grand Hammer Shanks Grand piano hammer shanks are subjected to continual stress as the piano is being played, and upon occasion will break, usually in a section of the keyboard that is used most frequently. When this happens, as shown in the photo above, at least one note (sometimes more) quit work- ing suddenly, and a repair is needed. Your piano has broken shank/s needing repair . When the break in the shank is a long one (think of a pencil that has split apart) it may be possible to join the two halves to- gether and reglue them. However, if the end of the break is more or less blunt, it is neces- sary to either replace the shank with a new one, or repair it with a splice. Splicing the shank is an option which gets the piano up and running again, and is useful especially in situations where replace- ments for the old flanges are either not avail- able, or need to be specially ordered. Done well, a repair splice will last for as long as needed. Special sawing jig required. To make this repair, the action does need to be removed from the piano and is or- dinarily transported to the workshop. While the action is in the shop, it would be an ap- propriate time to consider having other work done as well. If the hammers need shaping, or the action is in need of regulating, this would be the ideal time to consider having that type of repair completed. The Piano Owner's Heads-Up Guide to Important Piano Maintenance - Jema Pianos