Samick grand backcheck wear

[Clyde Hollinger]

Friends,

I have been tuning a 1996 Samick SG-185 (serial IPCG0398) grand every
three months for a little over a year.  Yesterday I pulled out the
action for a look-see because it was noisier than I thought it should
be, especially in the center area.  I tightened all the hammer flange
screws, which didn't help any, and given my schedule for the day (and
the fact that there hadn't been a complaint) I left it go at that for
now.  (FWIW it also has a complete Dampp-Chaser system.)

But in the process I noticed something else that surprised me,
especially in a 7-year-old piano that probably doesn't get played more
than an hour a week.  In the center of the piano where the use is
heaviest, the backcheck buckskin is worn almost through to the felt.
The hammer tails have like little micro-mini steps cut into them with
very pronounced edges.  Now grand actions are not my forte, but I never
saw anything quite this severe before.  I fully expect in another year
or two the felt will be cut through.

Is this normal for Samick?  I'm sure this configuration provides
excellent checking, but a piano with light use shouldn't need
replacement backchecks after only seven years.  Most backchecks are
still decent even after decades.

So what do I need to do here?  Can backchecks be re-leathered or do they
need to be replaced?  Should something be done to the hammer tails so
they work and yet cause less wear?  Is this a warranty issue?  I am open
to all education on this topic and situation.

Another wear problem is that the fallboard spring has ruined the felt in
the slot.  I'll probably replace the felt with leather on my next call.
I ran out of time this time.

Regards,
Clyde Hollinger, RPT
Lititz, PA, USA