At 21:11 11/30/2000 +1300, you wrote: >I am currently restoring/rebuilding an 1879 Gabler Square. Complete with >gold leaf work on the frame.The left pedal trapwork is complete and >operates a metal lever in a slot running through the body of the >instrument. And there it ends. I am curious. What was the left pedal >function. Does any one have a description or photo of such a mechanism. It >would be appreciated. > >David Jenkin > That sounds like the typical moderator mechanism. You will probably find an unattended screwhole near the other end of the hammer slot. Between the two was mounted a curved batten (matching hammer slot) with tabs of felt or leather which were meant to "moderate" or softer the strike of the hammers. Modern equivalent is "practice" pedal which drops a strip of felt between hammer and string in verticals. Hope this helps. Conrad Conrad Hoffsommer - Luther College, Decorah, IA Ignorance doesn't kill you, but it will make you sweat a lot.-Haitian proverb
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