Slow Console Action

[Ron Nossaman]

>  I believe this to be a somewhat common problem on these little pianos.

Yup.


>This one is a 1960ish Kohler & Campbell console. Clearly, the key is front 
>weighted enough that the wippen is not able to return the key to resting 
>position fully and thus let the jack slip under the butt.

Yup, that's it.


>I lubed the action liberally with Protek and eased all the keys - got 
>everything as loose as I reasonably could - the jacks still get stuck when 
>lifting off the note slowly.

Yup, that too.


>On a well designed and manufactured vertical piano in good condition, 
>should the weight of the wippen be sufficient to push the rear of the key 
>down to rest on the backrail felt? I should think so.

Yup, me too.


>Have I missed anything? Any recommendations?
>
>Terry Farrell

Yup, key bushings (balance rail, the ones on the outside of the doglegs) 
next most likely. Then capstan pads. That is, if the action ever did work. 
If it did, it just barely did, so it doesn't take much to stop it.

Ron N