My buddy and I would like to thank all MMD members who offered ideas
on the Violano plate crack repair.  We bought the machine last week
and have already lowered the string tension and removed the cast iron
"harp" plate.

On removal of the plate we found that the rear plate, soundboard and
pinblock structure door swing-out assembly is in need of repair.  This
no doubt caused this plate crack because of poor support of the plate.

My buddy has talked to a repair shop that does rare antique and
brass era automobile casting repairs.  They have successfully repaired
shattered engine crankcases, blocks and cylinder heads from rare
one-of-a-kind autos.  This is, in fact, all they have been repairing
for over twenty-five years.  Bullet holes in engines are also their
specialty!

Our thinking is to have them attempt a repair and see how this works
out.  We will let this expert shop decide on any repair methods.  There
is not very much to be lost here.

Many have stated that any plate repair attempt would be foolish.  If
the plate implodes and fails on restringing and tuning, a reproduction
plate will then be bought.  We feel lucky that we can get one if we
need it.  This takes the pressure off of us.

The plate should be repaired and back by mid-January, if all goes well.
I will then let the MMD forum know the results of this repair attempt.

My buddy would like to keep this Violano as "original" as possible.
That is why he wants to try a plate repair first.

'Thank you' to all who offered repair ideas!

Brad Hunter