Drifting Jacks

[Les Smith]

On Tue, 5 Mar 1996, Sheppard,Matthew J wrote:

>
> the jacks on my 1926 Kranich&Bach have drifted on 8-10 actions.
> My tuner/tech suggests filing the sides down so they don't rub on the rep
> lever.
> Is there a better way to fix this? Is it the felt on the pins?
> please advise! thanks.
> M@

Hi, Matt. There are several things you can try. First, the center pin
may ALREADY be bent, in which case you could try replacing it with a
new one. Second, one or both of the pin bushings could be badly worn,
in which case you could rebush the holes AND replace the center pin.
Third, although I've never tried it, you could heat the repetition lever
support flange until the glue softens enough to slightly reposition the
lever until it no longer touches the jack. (Hey, guys, Reblitz recommends
that one, not me!). Lastly, if all else fails, there is one, sure-fire
cure for this and the multitude of other action problems that are regularly
found on old K&B grands. First, carefully replace the action in the piano.
Next, fill the case with nitro-glycerin and then SLAM THE LID SHUT!!!!!!!
Welcome to pianotech.

Les Smith
lessmith@buffnet.net