Silent Series and QT

[Ron Nossaman]

Hi Lar,

Ambrose Bierce (The Devil's Dictionary) defined the brain as "An organ with
which we think that we think.". It's been too long since I looked at the
piano to retain any real details. I don't remember the make and model, or
which direction the L was pointing for sure, though it seems like the pad
was up when disengaged. I didn't do the original installation, it was one of
those calls where I was expected to lay on hands (or some such nonsense) and
change the basic laws of physics and mechanics after the first guy couldn't.
I looked for all sorts of alternate mounting positions and didn't find
anything that would clear everything adequately. I figured that even if the
damper head screws had to be changed or modified to get that 1/32" of
clearance, that didn't leave ANY room for hammer wear, butt compaction
(higher damper lift when capstans are readjusted), or damper pedal
adjustment lifting the dampers too high. As far as I was (and am) concerned,
that meant it wasn't a viable installation in that piano. I don't like
anything that's not designed with a Murphy Factor. If there isn't more room
than you need, there isn't enough room. Then again, I'm running on a used,
and poorly maintained, brain - I could be wrong. 

Ron


>>
>It sounds like this QT was not installed properly.  What kind of piano was
>it??  make and model??
>
>I've never had a clearance problem with any of the QT's I've installed.  I'm
>beginning to wonder if some installers are installing the bars 180 degrees
>off .......  engaged, the L is pointed up, disengaged it points towards the
>dampers, the cushion faces downward.  Any damper head screws that hit the
>bar are supposed to be replaced with smaller profile screws provided by MSR.
>I've never had this problem, but then I don't install them according to the
>write up ..... if I do, the bar hits the damper screws and there isn't
>enough room for clearance ........ funny thing!!  
>
>I install the bar with the L pointing up when engaged.  When disengaged the
>cushion faces the underside of the hammers, the L points towards the
>strings.  This leaves tons of room for the damper screws and puts the
>stopping cushion at about 3/4" below the hammer.  Each installation has been
>a challenge, but each one left my shop pleasing the customer in every way.
>No clicking, knocking, or complaints.  It's a goal that's a real challenge
>to meet, but my point is that it is possible.
>
>MSR didn't intend for the product to perform poorly.  There's plenty of
>installers that aren't going to get it right ...... just like any other
>product.  I'd suggest you call them to get the scoop on why your particular
>installation isn't performing properly.
>
>lar
>
> 
>
>                                    Larry Fisher RPT
>   specialist in players, retrofits, and other complicated stuff
>      phone 360-256-2999 or email larryf@pacifier.com
>         http://www.pacifier.com/~larryf/ (revised 10/96)
>           Beau Dahnker pianos work best under water
>




 Ron Nossaman