Pianotech Digest, Vol 1280, Issue 59

Andrew and Rebeca Anderson anrebe at sbcglobal.net
Wed Oct 18 16:23:17 MDT 2006


Joe,
Do you have written resources like the Reblitz 
book or the exam preparation books from the guild?

Sticking keys can be front/center mortices too 
tight, corroded pins etc.  Perhaps the center mortice is not adequately milled.
It can also be action pinning (especially hammer) too tight.

There are tools to ease key mortices.  Protek Prolube works well also.

Protek generally works well to loosen action 
pinning after it has dried out, it may tighten 
things for a few hours.  If you have the proper 
tools you can un-pin, ream and repin stubborn parts.

Did you measure the humidity?  In wet weather 
pianos can develop all these problems.  Humidity 
control may be necessary.  Are the strings 
showing corrosion.  If so, it is time to sell a 
DC Piano Life Saver System and 
back-cover.  Besides protecting the piano from 
humidity extremes the system will also stabilize 
the sound-board resulting in tunings the are 
stable and unisons that sound good for much longer.

Sincerely,
Andrew Anderson

At 03:25 PM 10/18/2006, you wrote:
>Hi everyone,
>
>I'm a relatively new piano tuner (full time for about six months.)
>
>I tuned a 5 year old upright Yang Chung this 
>morning.The woman hasn't played it very much.
>
>There were many "stickey keys." Whatever I tried 
>did not work (I'm still learning repairs with my teacher.)
>
>I would appreciate any suggestions on how to "unstick" the keys.
>
>Thanks.
>
>Joe Rosenberg
>
>----- Original Message ----
>From: "pianotech-request at ptg.org" <pianotech-request at ptg.org>
>To: pianotech at ptg.org
>Sent: Monday, October 16, 2006 1:36:08 AM
>Subject: Pianotech Digest, Vol 1280, Issue 59
>
>Send Pianotech mailing list submissions to
>     pianotech at ptg.org
>
>To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> 
><https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives>https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
>or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>     pianotech-request at ptg.org
>
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>     pianotech-owner at ptg.org
>
>When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>than "Re: Contents of Pianotech digest..."
>Today's Topics:
>
>    1. New Hammers on Old Piano /Antares (Ric Brekne)
>    2. Former president Sid Stone (Steve Blasyak)
>    3. Re: OT  Key buttons (firmin1)
>    4. Laser Level for Bench Regulation (ed440 at mindspring.com)
>    5. Re: Former president Sid Stone (John Ross)
>    6. Re: OT  Key buttons (John Ross)
>    7. Re: OT  Key buttons (John Ross)
>    8. Re: Laser Level for Bench Regulation (richard.ucci at att.net)
>    9. Re: Former president Sid Stone (Avery)
>   10. Re: Laser Level for Bench Regulation (Cy Shuster)
>   11. Re: Laser Level for Bench Regulation (Avery)
>   12. Re: Former president Sid Stone (Thomas Cole)
>   13. RE: Looking for specific caul (Isaac Sadigursky)
>   14. RE: Antique Pianos (Richard Moody)
>Hey !!! Look who drops in for a visit ! Hi there my friend !
>
>Cheers
>RicB
>
>
>I just happen to take a glance at pianotech, and what do I see?
>They are still talking about hammers......
>
>Apparently an issue one never gets tired of.......
>
>OOR
>
>Greetings from not so Sunny... but warm So. Cal.
>
>This is not piano or PTG related, it is more of 
>a personal notice to the tech list readers. Our 
>former president and dear friend to anyone who 
>knows him Sid Stone is prominently displayed on 
>the front page of the Orange County Register 
>this morning (10/15). Unfortunately the article 
>has nothing to do with piano work or the PTG. 
>The topic is eminent domain. Not to get into 
>politics but a proposition restricting eminent 
>domain powers will be on the ballot in 
>California next month. Apparently Sid and his 
>family were the (victims) of a Caltrans acquisitions some 35 years ago.
>
>Well it's a sad story but anyone interested can 
>read it online at OCREGESTER.COM.
>
>Steve Blasyak
><mailto:atuneforyou at earthlink.net>atuneforyou at earthlink.net
>EarthLink Revolves Around You.
>
>
>Thanks for all the tips. I just bought a bandsaw for that purpose. I plan to
>use hot glue, so the waiting will be a bit longer between buttons. I have
>the Jaras jig, too. I am a stickler for hot glue, as that is all I have ever
>used, for 25 years now, and I am so used to it.
>So, I'll rough cut with band saw, then try to get more flush with band saw
>after gluing, then use a block plane..
>Thanks!
>Berley Firmin II
>Is anyone out there using a laser level for bench regulating?
>This afternoon I bought a Gen-Tech Laser Level from Harbor Freight ($14.99)
>The laser rotates to send a horizontal or 
>vertical plane of light, very useful.
>By setting it on some wood scraps and shimming 
>with cards I could easily align it to first and 
>last sample hammers in a section. It was very 
>convenient for setting hammer line and back 
>checks.  For some pianos it could perhaps also gauge let off and drop.
>Ed Sutton
>What is a Caltrans acquisition.
>I tried logging on to the site, but didn't know where to go.
>Would it be possible, to send the actual site for the page, please?
>
>John M. Ross
>Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
><mailto:jrpiano at win.eastlink.ca>jrpiano at win.eastlink.ca
>----- Original Message -----
>From: <mailto:atuneforyou at earthlink.net>Steve Blasyak
>To: <mailto:pianotech at ptg.org>pianotech at ptg.org
>Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 9:35 PM
>Subject: Former president Sid Stone
>
>Greetings from not so Sunny... but warm So. Cal.
>
>This is not piano or PTG related, it is more of 
>a personal notice to the tech list readers. Our 
>former president and dear friend to anyone who 
>knows him Sid Stone is prominently displayed on 
>the front page of the Orange County Register 
>this morning (10/15). Unfortunately the article 
>has nothing to do with piano work or the PTG. 
>The topic is eminent domain. Not to get into 
>politics but a proposition restricting eminent 
>domain powers will be on the ballot in 
>California next month. Apparently Sid and his 
>family were the (victims) of a Caltrans acquisitions some 35 years ago.
>
>Well it's a sad story but anyone interested can 
>read it online at OCREGESTER.COM.
>
>Steve Blasyak
><mailto:atuneforyou at earthlink.net>atuneforyou at earthlink.net
>EarthLink Revolves Around You.
>
>
>When you say hot glue, I hope you mean hide glue, heated in a pot, and not
>that stuff that comes in sticks.
>John M. Ross
>Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
>jrpiano at win.eastlink.ca
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "firmin1" <firmin1 at bellsouth.net>
>To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech at ptg.org>
>Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 9:12 PM
>Subject: Re: OT Key buttons
>
>
> > Thanks for all the tips. I just bought a bandsaw for that purpose. I plan
> > to use hot glue, so the waiting will be a bit longer between buttons. I
> > have the Jaras jig, too. I am a stickler for hot glue, as that is all I
> > have ever used, for 25 years now, and I am so used to it.
> > So, I'll rough cut with band saw, then try to get more flush with band saw
> > after gluing, then use a block plane..
> > Thanks!
> > Berley Firmin II
> >
>Oh and rather than a block plain, after sawing, I use a belt sander. The one
>inch one on a machine, with a plate.
>John M. Ross
>Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
>jrpiano at win.eastlink.ca
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "firmin1" <firmin1 at bellsouth.net>
>To: "Pianotech List" <pianotech at ptg.org>
>Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 9:12 PM
>Subject: Re: OT Key buttons
>
>
> > Thanks for all the tips. I just bought a bandsaw for that purpose. I plan
> > to use hot glue, so the waiting will be a bit longer between buttons. I
> > have the Jaras jig, too. I am a stickler for hot glue, as that is all I
> > have ever used, for 25 years now, and I am so used to it.
> > So, I'll rough cut with band saw, then try to get more flush with band saw
> > after gluing, then use a block plane..
> > Thanks!
> > Berley Firmin II
> >
>How about key leveling?
>-------------- Original message from ed440 at mindspring.com: --------------
>
>
> > Is anyone out there using a laser level for bench regulating?
> > This afternoon I bought a Gen-Tech Laser 
> Level from Harbor Freight ($14.99)
> > The laser rotates to send a horizontal or 
> vertical plane of light, very useful.
> > By setting it on some wood scraps and 
> shimming with cards I could easily align
> > it to first and last sample hammers in a 
> section. It was very convenient for
> > setting hammer line and back checks. For some pianos it could perhaps also
> > gauge let off and drop.
> > Ed Sutton
>
>John,
>
>I tried also and couldn't find it. Is there an actual link??????
>
>Avery
>
>At 08:40 PM 10/15/2006, you wrote:
>>What is a Caltrans acquisition.
>>I tried logging on to the site, but didn't know where to go.
>>Would it be possible, to send the actual site for the page, please?
>>
>>John M. Ross
>>Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
>><mailto:jrpiano at win.eastlink.ca>jrpiano at win.eastlink.ca
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: <mailto:atuneforyou at earthlink.net>Steve Blasyak
>>To: <mailto:pianotech at ptg.org>pianotech at ptg.org
>>Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 9:35 PM
>>Subject: Former president Sid Stone
>>Greetings from not so Sunny... but warm So. Cal.
>>
>>This is not piano or PTG related, it is more of 
>>a personal notice to the tech list readers. Our 
>>former president and dear friend to anyone who 
>>knows him Sid Stone is prominently displayed on 
>>the front page of the Orange County Register 
>>this morning (10/15). Unfortunately the article 
>>has nothing to do with piano work or the PTG. 
>>The topic is eminent domain. Not to get into 
>>politics but a proposition restricting eminent 
>>domain powers will be on the ballot in 
>>California next month. Apparently Sid and his 
>>family were the (victims) of a Caltrans acquisitions some 35 years ago.
>>
>>Well it's a sad story but anyone interested can 
>>read it online at OCREGESTER.COM.
>>
>>Steve Blasyak
>><mailto:atuneforyou at earthlink.net>atuneforyou at earthlink.net
>>EarthLink Revolves Around You.
>>
>I've tried it, with a horizontal beam.  It's not 
>that useful; the highest key blocks the beam for the rest of the keyboard.
>
>--Cy--
>----- Original Message -----
>From: <mailto:richard.ucci at att.net>richard.ucci at att.net
>To: 
><mailto:ed440 at mindspring.com>ed440 at mindspring.com 
>  ; <mailto:pianotech at ptg.org>Pianotech List
>Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 7:53 PM
>Subject: Re: Laser Level for Bench Regulation
>
>How about key leveling?
>-------------- Original message from 
><mailto:ed440 at mindspring.com>ed440 at mindspring.com: --------------
>
>
> > Is anyone out there using a laser level for bench regulating?
> > This afternoon I bought a Gen-Tech Laser 
> Level from Harbor Freight ($14.99)
> > The laser rotates to send a horizontal or 
> vertical plane of light, very useful.
> > By setting it on some wood scraps and 
> shimming with cards I could easily align
> > it to first and last sample hammers in a 
> section. It was very convenient for
> > setting hammer line and back checks. For some pianos it could perhaps also
> > gauge let off and drop.
> > Ed Sutton
>
>Hey Ed.
>
>You're getting pretty hi-tech there. I just do it the old-fashioned way!
>Of course, I'm an old fart, too! :-D
>
>Avery
>
>At 08:24 PM 10/15/2006, you wrote:
> >Is anyone out there using a laser level for bench regulating?
> >This afternoon I bought a Gen-Tech Laser Level from Harbor Freight ($14.99)
> >The laser rotates to send a horizontal or vertical plane of light,
> >very useful.
> >By setting it on some wood scraps and shimming with cards I could
> >easily align it to first and last sample hammers in a section. It
> >was very convenient for setting hammer line and back checks.  For
> >some pianos it could perhaps also gauge let off and drop.
> >Ed Sutton
>Go to: 
><http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/investigations/caltrans2006/article_1311897.php>http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/investigations/caltrans2006/article_1311897.php
>
>Tom Cole
>
>Avery wrote:
>>John,
>>
>>I tried also and couldn't find it. Is there an actual link??????
>>
>>Avery
>>
>>At 08:40 PM 10/15/2006, you wrote:
>>>What is a Caltrans acquisition.
>>>I tried logging on to the site, but didn't know where to go.
>>>Would it be possible, to send the actual site for the page, please?
>>>
>>>John M. Ross
>>>Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada
>>><mailto:jrpiano at win.eastlink.ca>jrpiano at win.eastlink.ca
>>>----- Original Message -----
>>>From: <mailto:atuneforyou at earthlink.net>Steve Blasyak
>>>To: <mailto:pianotech at ptg.org>pianotech at ptg.org
>>>Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 9:35 PM
>>>Subject: Former president Sid Stone
>>>Greetings from not so Sunny... but warm So. Cal.
>>>
>>>This is not piano or PTG related, it is more 
>>>of a personal notice to the tech list readers. 
>>>Our former president and dear friend to anyone 
>>>who knows him Sid Stone is prominently 
>>>displayed on the front page of the Orange 
>>>County Register this morning (10/15). 
>>>Unfortunately the article has nothing to do 
>>>with piano work or the PTG. The topic is 
>>>eminent domain. Not to get into politics but a 
>>>proposition restricting eminent domain powers 
>>>will be on the ballot in California next 
>>>month. Apparently Sid and his family were the 
>>>(victims) of a Caltrans acquisitions some 35 years ago.
>>>
>>>Well it's a sad story but anyone interested 
>>>can read it online at OCREGESTER.COM.
>>>
>>>Steve Blasyak
>>><mailto:atuneforyou at earthlink.net>atuneforyou at earthlink.net
>>>EarthLink Revolves Around You.
>>>
>Hi,Geoff! I have a few dozen of those aluminum 
>cauls.I¢m still a strong proponent of Bill 
>Spurlocks system and plastic-nylon ones.Those 
>aluminum ones dull knifes or razor blades quickly..
>I got mine from a retiring technician a few years back.. Hope,it helps.. Isaac
>
>
>----------
>From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org 
>[mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Geoff Sykes
>Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 11:49 AM
>To: Pianotech at Ptg. Org
>Subject: Looking for specific caul
>
>Greetings listers --
>
>Attached is a photo of an aluminum balance rail 
>caul that I recently had the pleasure of using. 
>This is not half of a two step caul system. It 
>is designed for single step caul bushing of the 
>balance rail. (The one in the photo is stamped 
>.147.) The owner has four sets, all in single 
>step caul sizes. The problem is that she has had 
>them long enough that she does not remember 
>where she purchased them, and I cannot find them 
>in any catalog, nor can I find any other 
>technician that recognizes them. Does anyone 
>recognize this caul, and perhaps know from where they may be purchased?
>
>-- Geoff Sykes
>-- Assoc. Los Angeles
>
>--
>No virus found in this outgoing message.
>Checked by AVG Free Edition.
>Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/476 - Release Date: 10/14/2006
>
>Anne writes..
>     "It is impossible to make sweeping generalizations in a complex area
>such as this.  Each situation, each piano is different, and education and
>knowledge are the keys..... What is clear is, if you aren't sure, ask".....
>
>I will ask, the 1852 Collard & Collard; is this a grand or a square grand?
>Has it sat untouched for years and years and thus the original parts are
>still intact?  Or have many and massive repairs to the strings action and
>keyboard been done over the years.  If by some miracle the most of the parts
>appear to be original and not worn but some of the strings are broken or
>silk threads (if any) broken or parchment hinges still intact but can't
>stand playing, if all of these parts are original then a museum might be
>interested in purchasing and conserving it.
>In the museum Ed Sutton mentioned now called the National Music Museum in
>Vermillion SD they have several older keyboards mostly before 1830 but the
>1852 Collard might be of interest.  Their dream acquisitions are instruments
>of performing quality (of their time) with as much original material as
>possible. With such a specimen their idea isn't to restore it to playing
>condition since conserving it as original as possible will mean more
>knowledge of the parts, processes, methods of construction , and design of
>its time will be preserved. If it has been repaired, rebuilt, repainted over
>the years and this is in the provenance, They might try to restore it to
>original condition using new duplicated parts and expect it to be played.
>     I could ask John Koster the conservator if he is interested in some
>pictures, or Google National Music Museum, join for  a year's membership
>($30) to (55) and ask away.
>     Got any pictures?
>---ric     <http://www.pnotec.com/>www.pnotec.com
>-----Original Message-----
>From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
>Of a.acker at comcast.net
>Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 10:15 PM
>To: pianotech at ptg.org
>Subject: Antique Pianos
>
>Stephane,  thanks for soliciting my opinions about how to deal with antique
>pianos and their owners and uses.
>
>I have been too busy to write on this topic, as it is a huge one, and I
>correctly presumed there would be heated feelings.  I definitely don't have
>the energy to deal with that right now.
>
>This is a topic obviously near and dear to my heart as I make my living
>primarily with harpsichords and 18th and 19th century pianos.   As part of
>this,  I consult and advise owners as to the choices and implications for
>their individual situation and individual instrument.
>
>It is impossible to make sweeping generalizations in a complex area such as
>this.  Each situation, each piano is different, and education and knowledge
>are the keys.
>
>For example of a need for more knowledge, somebody was remarking about
>soundboards turning to dust.   Well, no they really don't.  I have heard 300
>year old soundboard which were quite fabulous.  Now, if the instrument has
>been stored in a wet barn for 200 of those years and has suffered dramatic
>woodworm damage, that is another situation.
>
>Please note that I am not advocating restoring 300 year old rare instruments
>by the prior remark.
>
>Nor am I criticizing the writer, for they are not completely wrong.  Many
>early 20th century soundboards are dead and need to be replaced.  This is
>rarely true of early and mid 19th century boards for various reasons.   So,
>this is simply a matter of more information, more knowledge.
>
>Anyway, there is too much to discuss here and I have no desire to get into
>arguments at this time.  I give talks on this topic, and myself and others
>are trying to get going panel discussions and educational sessions at the
>PTG conventions on this very matter.
>
>What is clear is, if you aren't sure, ask.   Respect the instrument, respect
>the owner, respect knowledge.  Don't assume you know everything, for hubris
>learns little and makes mistakes.   If you are uncomfortable about an
>antique instrument, don't degrade the instrument, refer the owner to
>somebody else.
>
>There is plenty of work out there on non-antique pianos, so why take it on
>if you don't really want to?
>
>Very best regards to all,
>
>Anne
>_______________________________________________
>Pianotech list info 
><https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives>https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives

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