Touchweight query

[kam544@flash.net]

>...My thought is the key bushings. Uneven wear causing the extra 
>friction.  Try
>some protec on the offensive key bushings. Just a guess.
>Keith R.
>
>...either too high or too low.  Double check all friction points again and
>check pinning in the hammer flange... David Love
>
>  ...If you have not precisely measured key bushing friction in each 
>key, I recommend that be done. You may be surprised.
>Terry Farrell
>
>...As far as things to look directly for, in addition to what Dave 
>has pointed to
>I would look at any slight differences in the angle the knuckle is 
>glued to the
>hammer shank... a very small angle difference can mean a lot really...
>suprisingly so. Same thing about the capstan.
>
>...Also... do any adjustments in BW with whippen assist springs 
>disconnected if
>they are present.
>RicB

Keith, David, Terry, Richard, List,

I certainly appreciate your thoughtful replies. At least, I am 
reaffirmed that I was not amiss on the fundamental concepts.

In brief I wasn't looking to achieve exactness as much as a closer evenness.

A few things:
Richard, there are no wippen assist springs. Also, I did investigate 
the knuckle relation and actually altered it to see what difference 
it might make. And I measured the capstan relationship as best as 
possible.

Terry & Keith R, I agree of the importance of key bushings. I would 
be interested, Terry, how you manage to precisely measure key bushing 
friction, though.

Anyhow, as it turns out, and I really don't wish to admit it, but 
hammer flange repinning is the culprit. On a fluke I applied Protek 
CLP to the flange bushings and the DW dropped immediately.

Observing hammer swings did not reveal this and the hammer flange 
appeared to drop of its own weight. Because of that I dismissed that 
area completely.As I am discovering, this older Knabe grand requires 
no resistance whatsoever to achieve the touch that I am desiring.

t's quite amazing all in all as opposed to say, some of the Steinway 
resistance guidelines.

Thank you all for for your contributions.

Sincerely,

Keith McGavern
Registered Piano Technician
Oklahoma Chapter 731
Piano Technicians Guild
USA