[CAUT] Black on Black... (Jack alignment)

[Ed Sutton]

Tim and Fred-

Let's see.  

You guys are disagreeing about the exact placement of 88 little sticks in a 900 pound box.

By the time you're done with your adjustments, the result may be the same, or may even vary as much as .7mm!

If there is a difference, probably 2 piano technicians in 300 could feel it, maybe 1 pianist in 300.

Sounds like a good topic for a Blood Feud!       ;-)

When I think about the stuff other people do, I think we are pretty lucky to be worrying about jack/knuckle alignment.

Anyway, I am grateful for folks who are so passionate about this work.

Ed Sutton
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tim Coates 
  To: College and University Technicians 
  Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 10:39 AM
  Subject: Re: [CAUT] Black on Black... (Jack alignment)


  Hi Fred,


  I did not feel I was doubting your respect for fellow technicians.  I am sorry if you took it that way.   I was only trying to point out Michael Wathen was giving credit where due (to Bill Garlick), but some how was ignored.   I was also pointing out how quickly we forget past important members of this wonderful trade.  I have always had the highest respect for you ever since I first heard your name and witnessed your interaction on a panel at the national PTG convention in Albuquerque.   I must admit I you look a little more tame now than you did back then, but I had a little more top hair than exposed skin then <g>.


  My respect for you is also why I tried to state my disagreement with you in a frame that your method works for you and mine for me.  Hence the sentences "For me,  you are wrong about the rapid flick motion.   But you can do that if you want.  You know what works best for you."   It is  important for us to disagree.   What works for your climate doesn't work for my climate.  I have drastic changes every 3 months (sometimes known as money in the bank).   There are things I do to try to create jack slippage such as pushing the hammer below the hammerline while applying strong force on the key.  No one plays that way, but it sure helps to find the sleepers.   Turning the screw an 1/8 of a turn to find the "sweet spot" is more precise than a half a turn to who knows where.  But then we are back to the basic idea of where should the jack be aligned?   I think that could the basic question.  We have all been taught a certain alignment is the "correct" position.  But because of this thread there are opinions as to where the jack should be positioned.  That is good.  


  On a side note I had two actions in the shop yesterday that needed the jacks aligned.  I tried many of the methods discussed in the last few days, but for fine tuning it came back to a method based on what Bill Garlick showed Michael Wathen.   Again, that is just me. 


  Respectfully,
  Tim Coates  




  On Aug 8, 2007, at 7:16 PM, Fred Sturm wrote:


    Hi Tim,
        Just to make myself clear, I have the utmost respect for Michael Wathen and for Bill Garlick. And for you, for that matter. Doesn’t mean we can’t state opposing opinions. I don’t think there is anyone out there deciding “who wins the game.” As I look at it, we each present our own perspective, and we each have the opportunity to learn from others. Maybe some day we’ll all agree on everything, but I doubt I’ll live that long (or even long enough for us all to agree on any one thing). Meanwhile, disagreement doesn’t have to mean all out war <G>. 
        
    Regards,
    Fred Sturm
    University of New Mexico 


    On 8/7/07 9:48 PM, "Tim Coates" <tcoates1 at sio.midco.net> wrote:


      Fred,

      I think if you re-read Michael Wathen's comments he attributes this method to "Garlick".  For those who are too young to remember, that would be Bill Garlick.    A person who used to be a very valuable member of the PTG.   

      For me, you are wrong about the rapid flick motion.  But you can do that if you want.  You know what works best for you.  It's nice to have a good exchange of ideas without one person judging and insisting they have the only correct answer.  

      Tim Coates


      On Aug 7, 2007, at 7:13 PM, Fred Sturm wrote:


            I do like Michael Wathen’s method if it’s used for finding cheating jacks. Very convenient not to have to hold your finger or hand on each hammer. And I’ll suggest that a rapid flick motion rather than a hard press is best to find those borderline cases. Fast as you can, but not necessarily much force, will find them best.







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