[CAUT] WN&G capstans

[David Love]

They are lighter and they don't tarnish, all good things.  The German
capstans that Pianotek sells have a nice profile and I don't see much
difference there in terms of performance.  I did use a set of the WNG
recently on an action rebuild as I was relocating the capstan to solve a
weight problem, looking for all the help I could get and thought I'd try
them.  Since I'm graphing balance weight, friction UW, DW on every action
rebuild I do get a chance to see these numbers and admittedly didn't see
that much , if any , difference in the numbers on this action compared to
any other I've done with the brass capstans in terms of friction readings,
at least that could be traced to the capstan.  I just don't find it to be
that high an area of friction generally unless there's some real problem
with the felt on the wippen heel or perhaps some serious corrosion on the
top of the capstan.  Still, the cost difference is not that significant and
I can't really think of a down side to using them.  

 

David Love

www.davidlovepianos.com

 

From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of David
Skolnik
Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2009 4:55 PM
To: caut at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [CAUT] WN&G capstans

 

David -
I was just looking at some earlier today.  I didn't have a chance to measure
for any differences, but I suspect that, as part of an overall effort at
mass and friction reduction they are rather significant in a couple of
respects.  While the finish may not be that much slicker than brass,
initially, they will not tarnish, like brass.  They are considerably
lighter, and, for better, worse, or indifferent, the surface profile
(curvature) is more acute than most.  The rest would be for experience to
tell.  Their website is pretty informative.

David Skolnik
Hastings on Hudson, NY



At 04:19 PM 11/29/2009, you wrote:



It's just a capstan that's made out of different material.  I used them on a
capstan moving job awhile ago.  I suppose they're a bit lighter.  Not a big
deal or advantage over brass that I could really tell.  They do cost more.  
 
David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com <http://www.davidlovepianos.com/> 
 
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [ <mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org>
mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of David Ilvedson
Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2009 12:28 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org; caut at ptg.org
Subject: [CAUT] WN&G capstans
 
List,
 
I'm interested in trying those new WN&G capstans.   Has anyone converted to
a particular brand they fit with out too much trouble?   
 
David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA 94044

 

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