Two action questions

[Michael Jorgensen]

Hi Richard,
    Have you considered knuckle nap direction in regard to item #1?
Traditionally, nap feels rough sliding toward the flange and smooth toward
the hammer.   This reduces friction for easier jack return and increases
friction for better jack contact during playing in order to reduce jack
cheating.  On European pianos, the nap direction is sometimes reversed
which can yield a smoother feel.
       In a more recent response you indicate that you are considering
moving the wippen rail to create a straighter line between the knuckle core
and jack.  Just a few millimeters of shift will cause major changes in all
aspects of regulation and touch, so be sure to mark diligently the original
position along with the location of any shims which may exist.
Good luck,
-Mike Jorgensen

Richard Brekne wrote:

> Hi list
>
> I got two questions for you all relating to grand actions.
>
> #1.  From time to time I run into a so called quality grand sort (I wont
> mention the name but it starts with a "P"  grin) that has an odd ball
> problem regarding regulation. Basically said, unless the jack is
> regulated waaaayyy back, the note will miss. I ran into this problem on
> an action I just reworked, I had repacked the nuckles insureing a nice
> round shape, took much care to regulate the return springs nicely,
> height of the tip of the jack to repetition lever was set to play it
> safe (I have had this problem before on other such grands) made sure of
> basically everything.  Still, upon setting the action in the piano
> fifteen or twenty notes miss. And try as I may to find a reason, the
> only thing that seems to help is to set the jacks so that they are well
> back of the back edge of the core of the knuckle. Jack tips are barely
> beveled and this is taken into acount. I suspect action geometry..(It is
> never all that good on these things). Any ideas ???
>
> #2. Brand new Yamaha C7.  Action is very well bedded, and regulated.
> Still on hard play in the middle area, 8 or 9 hammers on each side of
> the note being hit raise (hop) very noticible. Feels like the hammer
> rail is moving. All screws are dead tight. Lots of power seems to
> dissapear. Only happens in the middle section of the action..
> Suggestions ??
>
> Thanks muchly
>
> Richard Brekne
> I.C.P.T.G.  N.P.T.F.
> Bergen, Norway