/steinway B - awaiting response from Les, at least

[Richard Brekne]

Hi David S.

I think if you look a bit closer to replies Les made to a couple posts, 
including at least one of mine, he states that it is one damper that is 
clacking and that it is because the bushing is not able to do its job.

For my part, I have recommended a simple single plug and drill if all 
else is indeed well enough. Tho I have acknowledged the value of 
experience in replacing the whole rail. Doing a whole rail in this case 
can easily also be defended from the standpoint that it is an older 
double bushing cloth guide rail and  these seem to often develop bushing 
related problems anyways. A reference to Ken Sloane and Oberlin was made 
through the chain of posts... that is because at the Oberlin institute 
they take advantage of the opportunity both teach this rather simple 
procedure whilst at the same time upgrading older Steinways a bit.

I think also Les pretty clearly states he has ruled out regulation and 
other problems as the source of the problem.

http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/2008-August/225802.html
http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/2008-August/225812.html
http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/2008-August/225874.html

Proper regulation of the wire is of course a prerequisite, tho I don't 
see any conflict in issues there if he should decide to re-do a whole 
rail.  Hope this helps your itch at least a little a bit :-)  I know 
I've had my head scratching left unrequited on more then a single 
occasion tho... so I know how that feels. Me thinks you are just as 
insane as the rest of us friend David ! Don't worry... be happy !

Cheers
RicB


David Skolnik wrote:
>
>
> At 04:09 PM 8/6/2008, RicB wrote:
>> Grin... I for one have assumed Les was telling us exactly what the 
>> problem was from the beginning. Seems to me he has qualified exactly 
>> that on a couple occasions afterwards so I shouldnt expect there 
>> would be any additional info forthcoming.  Re doing an entire rail is 
>> hardly remanufacturing the piano... tho to be sure a bit more 
>> involved then a single plug and drill.  On the other hand again... 
>> its good experience and worth the effort IMB.
>
> Ric, list
> I was going to respond off list, but, in the end, that felt like a 
> cope out.  In all seriousness, I've looked at every one of Les' posts 
> and, while he speculates about the wear of the bushing being related 
> to the offset nature of that damper, he NEVER actually states what the 
> noise source is.  But even assuming it's the damper head contacting 
> the plate, why would you (and others) think it appropriate to have to 
> remake an entire rail for what he described, however valuable the 
> experience?  If he can get the customer to pay for it, perhaps that's 
> a different story.  But that won't help him the next time he's faced 
> with this problem.  As far as such a project not qualifying as 
> remanufacturing, I'll continue to refrain, as long as possible, from 
> using emoticons.  Of course I was being dramatic, facetious, ironic, 
> whatever.  If you'll humor me, just a little: what is the consensus 
> understanding of the source of the noise, and what must he do to fix 
> that ONE note?  Is everyone saying that it is impossible to rebush a 
> double bushed guide rail hole?
>
> Meanwhile, Les, I'll repost the questions I previously asked, minus 
> the levity:
>
>>   What vintage B?  What was your temporary solution?  Even if your 
>> assessment of bushing cloth wear is accurate, what is source of the 
>> clacking?  Wire against glue, or damper block against plate?  Did you 
>> extract the bushing cloth to determine extent and direction of wear?
>
> Just seeking clarity or confirmation of my insanity.
>
> David Skolnik
> Hastings on Hudson, NY
>
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