Cracks in the casting frame are rare and are usually due to a. material defects, b. transport damage or c. tuning errors. Depending on where the crack is located, it may have little or no technical effect. Stress cracks often occur during or shortly after assembly. We have increasingly observed such frame cracks in old Bechstein and Steingräber & Söhne instruments.
These cracks often occur at the weak points of the cast iron frame at transitions or corners. This is not always critical - but should definitely be assessed by a specialist. Repairs to cast iron frames are also possible, but very cost-intensive. Therefore, the integrity of the cast iron frame should always be checked critically both when buying and selling.
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