Weighty Problem

[Billbrpt]

In a message dated 98-03-12 18:40:07 EST, you write:

<< If you lengthen the stroke,ie. blow distance, you will give a perception of
more weight, with a minimum of work and time. This may be what the customer
needs. You will only need a capstan adjustment afterwards. BUT this will give
more power, so you will also have to adjust let-off to compensate for for the
increased volume, but in 15-30 minutes you will initiate a noticable change in
the perception  of feeling of being  heavier. >>

This may be a good place to start.  After thinking about it and seeing a
couple of Yamahas today, they do not have a bendable action post.  They have a
large round head screw.  The idea is to move the whole action back just a
little which will give you less mechanical advantage (it will take more
pressure to move the wippen).  Giving the action the longest possible blow
distance with a minimum of after touch will give the player more of a sense of
control over the entire stroke.  Make sure your dampers are lifting adequately
and that the checking is still adequately close.  This will give you superbly
fast repetition as a side benefit, as good as just about any grand.

Voicing the hammers on the soft side and the blanket "mute" can contribute to
the overall effect.  Again, keep the customer engaged.  Try a little this,
then that, then a little more of something else if more is still wanted.
This, after all, should be your ultimate goal:  The customer wants you back
more and more, not just once a year.
Keep the ultimate idea of a beautiful new grand alive and you'll get your
commission for all of your efforts and a fine new piano to service thereafter.

Changing the action geometry and keyleading are not out of the question but do
that which is least invasive first.

Bill Bremmer RPT
Madison, Wisconsin