drc
Senior Member
So I’ve asked around locally about trying to find someone to fix the broken tine but no luck so far. Any of you peps have a suggestion?
Broken Harp Tailpiece
- Thread starter drc
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Do you have the piece?
Is is steel? If so and you have the piece it can be welded with a TiG welder
geoguy
Senior Member
I think that could be brazed. Check with a local welding shop or two.
Also look at shops that do auto restoration and customization. They would have the welding skills to deal with that, or would know people that do.
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drc
Senior Member
drc
Senior Member
Maybe? It’s not wood lol. Unfortunately I don’t have the broken piece
drc
Senior Member
I did check with one and they had no interest. But yeah, maybe keep trying others.
I know a guy who fabricates metal parts. His company is Lakeside Machine Company in Upton, MA. That's probably what you need to look for, drc. You could try Ralph at Lakeside. Maybe he'd be interested, but I'm sure someone local would be easier for you.
Good luck, Dave.
Good luck, Dave.
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You could probably silver solder that. Cut up a brass door strike plate, and silver solder a piece to the top of the harp, and to the string holder adjacent to the broken one. Then cut a slot to secure the outside string.
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The thought strikes me too, that you might find a finish nail or steel pin ( maybe an Allen wrench?) thin enough to go through the ball ends of the strings. Cut off the point, then thread the nail/brad/whatever through the ball ends, starting at the broken side. Either a small o-ring or two at the cut off end of the nail or some nail polish on one of the ball ends should keep it from dropping out. I don't really think that would happen, as long as there was string tension.
It's a thought.
It's a thought.
jp
Senior Member
I can see how a professional fabricator might not want to spend the time on such a small detailed job.
Do you have any "fix-it friends" with a welder? It's quite possibly a simple job achieved by a couple of tack welds to add a small piece of mild steel. Then some minor detail finishing with files and sandpaper.
Do you have any "fix-it friends" with a welder? It's quite possibly a simple job achieved by a couple of tack welds to add a small piece of mild steel. Then some minor detail finishing with files and sandpaper.
drc
Senior Member
Thanks for all the advice. So far, 2 local welding fab shops turned me away. I also stopped by an auto restoration shop and ask for their advice and they basically laughed at me and said “we don’t offer that kind of service around here”. I laughed and went on my way. I’ll keep trying, someone will eventually bite.
The Guilds of Grot
Enlightened Member
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SFIV1967
Venerated Member
A previous discussion about such similar topic:
letstalkguild.com
@matsickma is a former certified welder in aluminum, stainless steel and various carbon steels, he can for sure give input here.
Ralf
Harp Tailpiece Repair
I thought I would share this just in case somebody else runs into the same issue. The harp tailpiece on my 1954 Aristocrat separated where the three rivets hold the piece that holds the string ball ends. From a quick look it appeared that somebody had tried to glue these pieces together in the...
letstalkguild.com
@matsickma is a former certified welder in aluminum, stainless steel and various carbon steels, he can for sure give input here.
Ralf
jp
Senior Member
Super clever idea, Nuuska!
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< cough >