Hammer Return Springs

[bwaller@sunrise.alpinet.net]

After installing the springs could you weaken them all a bit by laying the
spring rail on a flat surface and twisting it a bit against the force of the
springs?  Might be worth a quick try.  Dunno myself.

Bruce

At 03:44 PM 8/23/96 -0400, you 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
>
>
>