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

[Don Mannino]

Ed,
 
As far as the disagreements go, I'll stay out of it.
 
Based on your statement about pianists feeling jack alignment, I must
respectfully disagree.  Most pianists with reasonable skill will feel
.5mm misalignment, but will not be able to identify it as such.  It is
very important to be very even, although the exact best location might
be debatable.
 
Don Mannino


  _____  

	From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On
Behalf Of Ed Sutton
	Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 9:04 AM
	To: College and University Technicians
	Subject: Re: [CAUT] Black on Black... (Jack alignment)
	
	
	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 <mailto:tcoates1 at sio.midco.net>  
		To: College and University Technicians
<mailto:caut at ptg.org>  
		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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