Regulation-pedals, Important

Avery Todd ATodd@UH.EDU
Fri, 02 Aug 1996 09:43:51 -0500


>Both rods should be butted against the holes at
>each end--  NO movement along the axis of the rod (or "stick") can be
>tolerated.  This does make a big difference, and prevents the gradual
>loosening of glue joints that result in needed repair as well.
>
>Supports that do not have "rod-in-hole" systems sometimes require
>considerable redesign to "work," but it is worth it in the long run.
>Also, don't use paper in the hole -- it disintegrates over time.  Glue
>something dense and durable in the hole.  Anyone have any ideas about how
>to best shim these rods?  Shims can be glued to the ends of wooden rods,
>but not brass (without brazing! maybe soldering is practical?).
>
>Bill Bailer

Bill,
   One idea I've used successfuly is to install a flat head screw in the
pedal lyre itself where the bottom of the support goes. Over the years,
when/if the rods loosen you can back out that screw a little to get a tight
fit again. It sometimes requires a little trial and error to get the fit
just right, but in the long run I feel it is worth it. *Especially* in a
piano that is moved a lot.
This is for minor adjustments only. Not for rods that fall out everytime
the pianist uses the pedal!
   One other thing, make sure the interlocking plates (if it has them) are
tight! "Slop" there should not be compensated for by tight support rods.


_____________________________________
Avery Todd, RPT
Moores School of Music
University of Houston
Houston, TX 77204-4893
713-743-3226
atodd@uh.edu
_____________________________________






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