When a string is stretched between the front termination point and the hitch pin, and is under tension, this applies force to the top of the bridge. The amount of force or lack of force, is what we call the downbearing. This article will give you several methods for measuring downbearing, both with the strings on and off.

It’s a question many technicians dread: “How much do you think I should sell my piano for?” We have training in tuning and repairs, but providing professional recommendations regarding sales usually falls outside our realm of expertise. The good news is, it’s not hard, and unlike most of the technical skills you have already mastered, you will only need a few practice rounds of Market Analysis to add it to your toolbag. 

There are many different methods for installing backchecks, but the “72º-angle method” is the method most guaranteed to achieve consistent backchecking close to the strings.

Bedding the keyframe entails adjusting the different glide bolts protruding from the bottom of the frame so that they all exert the same amount of pressure across the keybed, thus setting an even and consistently level foundation for the action.