Slow Console Action

[Farrell]

I am convinced this particular piano had a weight problem. I tried turning several capstans down to increase lost motion - the backs of the keys just rise and still do not allow the jack to return under the butt. I have little doubt some little jiffy weights would help.

Terry Farrell
  
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dave Nereson" <dnereson@dim.com>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, April 04, 2003 4:25 AM
Subject: Re: Slow Console Action



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Farrell 
  To: pianotech@ptg.org 
  Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 3:06 PM
  Subject: Slow Console Action


  Not really slow, but rather when you lift your finger up off a key slowly, the jack will not slide under the hammer butt. I believe this to be a somewhat common problem on these little pianos. 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. 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.

  I suppose the jack springs could be a bit on the weak side. 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.

  Have I missed anything? Any recommendations?
    
  Terry Farrell
  _______________________________________________
  pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives

      There are some verticals that require more lost motion than we normally consider acceptable.  This is usually because the curve of the butt leather is not correct to allow the jack to get all the way back under unless the blow distance is set too short, or at least shortER.   I used to run into several brands where I'd say, "Oh, man, there's too much lost motion -- gotta regulate these capstans."  Which I would do, then find out I had to turn them all back down because the jacks wouldn't return.
      Reasons keys won't return all the way have been mentioned in other replies -- mainly "cupped" key button bushings or fronts of keys that are too heavy.  There are many little pianos where occasionally you have to add a weight right behind the key button just to help the wippen get that key all the way back up.  Wood dries, absorbs, loses moisture, weights and friction change.  Might've been OK at the factory, but now, 40 years later, .....
      --David Nereson, RPT, Denver  
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