Hammer Return Springs

[Greg & Mary Ellen Newell]

On Fri, 23 Aug 1996 15:44:52 -0400, jpiesik@arinc.com wrote:

>    I recently replaced a set of hammer return springs in a 1979 Kimball
>    Spinet.  Other than the return springs having needed replacement the
>    piano is in very good condition (I didn't say the tone is very good, but
>    the piano is fine - for whatever that is worth).  Anyways, the job went
>    smooth, except that the action is now very heavy/stiff (dah, new springs
>    will do that).
>
>    My client's little 6 year old girl, who also happens to be legally
>    blind, is very petite and not real strong.  She will be taking lessons
>    on this piano, and I'm a bit concerned.
>
>    I'm asking whether or not it is necessary to "pre-tension" the springs
>    (weaken or strengthen them a bit) before or after reinstalling the
>    spring rail.  The new springs (they are the short spinet type and are
>    naturally stiffer than the longer console and upright springs) were
>    about perpendicular to the shanks before they were set onto the hammer
>    butts.  Obviously, over time (how much time, though?) the springs will
>    weaken to a point where the action is not so stiff and heavy.
>
>    What can or should be done to the new springs before or after
>    installation into the spring rail to end up at the correct spring
>    tension against the hammer butts?
>
>    I haven't read or heard to much on this subject regarding hammer return
>    spring replacement.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
>    Regards,
>
>    John Piesik
>    San Diego Chapter PTG
>    JPIESIK@ARINC.COM
>
It seems to me that it wouldn't be too tough to remove the rail and
bend all the springs less than your 90 degrees. I usually approximate
the feel I want in the finished product by bending all the springs
together by sort of folding the springs while pressing the rail
against the bench. Something doesn't sound right about that
description but perhaps you know what I mean. Sort of gang regulating
them! Finer adjustment to be done at the piano. This being a spinet
it's not too easy to remove the action I'm sure, can you reach the
rail screws with the action still in the piano?
				Greg
Greg & Mary Ellen Newell
gnewell@en.com
dt945@cleveland.freenet.edu
gnewell@juno.com