Choosing Parts

[Lance Lafargue]

Hey Avery,
If you have questions/problems.... Visit the Renner web site and go to the
section on technicians.  You can call or e-mail Charles Ball at UT.  He's a
great guy and will help you till you're all set.  He's probably the closest
to you, too.  He's been great and answers questions for me if I get stumped.
The kit is a must, try the parts on the action, though.

Be sure the action centers, etc are proper tightness, etc.  Everything
effects the feel/weight.  I make sure the action centers are close, get rid
of friction in key bushings, etc.  When you're comparing parts, all things
have to be equal and consistent in order to truly compare the parts
themselves.  Bill Spurlock has a great set of touch weights that comes with
his articles on measuring touch weight (great info).  I keep it in my kit.
Lance Lafargue, RPT
Mandeville, LA
New Orleans Chapter, PTG
lancelafargue@bellsouth.net
985.72P.IANO

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-caut@ptg.org [mailto:owner-caut@ptg.org]On Behalf Of Avery
Todd
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2002 9:04 AM
To: caut@ptg.org
Subject: Choosing Parts


List,

Anyone have experience choosing parts from the Renner Parts Kit
for an older Steinway 'M' (1925). Below is from Lloyd:

>We recommend restoring all quality pianos, particularly of this
>vintage, to their original design, using original dimension parts.
>In the case of Steinway, this cannot be determined by the serial
>number due to the way those pianos were designed at crafted at
>that time. This is why we designed the Sample Parts Kit. Simply
>test the different shanks & flanges and wippens in the piano to
>determine the best fit. For example, your piano will have angled
>capstans, so one might assume the angled heel wippen to be the
>best choice. The capstan angles varied considerably at that time,
>and it's possible the straight heel will actually work better.
>You have three different shanks & flanges for Steinway and two
>basic wippen designs in your Kit. The 17.0mm shank was never used
>in the original Steinway pianos so you can rule that one out.
>Test all the others in the piano to determine the best combination.

I have the kit but I need some advice on what, specifically, I
should be looking for, etc. to determine that "best fit". The piano
(or action) isn't in the shop yet but will be soon. Any advice
appreciated.

An old dog trying to learn new tricks.
Avery
University of Houston