Grand damper springs.

[David ilvedson]

> Date:          Sat, 22 Feb 1997 10:10:32 -0700
> From:          Brent.Fischer@asu.edu
> Subject:       Re: Grand damper springs.
> To:            pianotech@byu.edu
> Reply-to:      pianotech@byu.edu

I have a spring making tool and wire I got from Hale long ago.
Who bought out Hale?

ilvey, RPT
Pacifica, CA

>
> Dear Albert and List:
>
>    I have installed underlever springs on new Steinway concert grands
> and usually find the tension of the springs fairly even. When you feel
> a difference from one to the next just use finger pressure to lighten
> the spring. It is difficult to work your way behind the underlevers
> once the tray is installed to make any adustments but it can be done
> if necessary.
>   The old Steinway backaction had very heavy springs installed all
> the way to note #54. It isn't recommended to duplicate the same
> diameter springs as the original because it can be easily felt in
> the touch. On larger pianos I have installed springs up to around
> note #30. On a "D" this really helps the dampening of the tri-chord
> bass and lower tenor notes. If you are an astute reader of the Steinway
> parts price list on page seventeen they offered underlever springs (old
> style) #008643. These springs were more like repetition spring thickness.
> I haven't taken micrometer readings but this thickness of spring can't
> be felt during engagement and is much thinner than the old style type.
> It is just enough to aid damper shut-off.
>
>   The problem for me is they are no longer available although I bought
> all they had left it I have just enough for two or three sets. My
> question is who makes a univeral spring making jig or fixture to
> create these from scratch and who supplies the repetition spring
> wire to the industry. Thanks for any replies to this dilemma.
>
>
> Brent.Fischer@ASU.EDU
> Arizona State University/Tempe
>
>
>
>
>