Howdy, I just wanted to make a general comment on what a HUGE difference (tonally and touch-wise) can be made when one or some of these things are corrected. A Knabe console was transformed into a different piano (according to the owners) when I corrected the overly strong damper spring adjustment--the touch originally was way too heavy and the repetition poor with the keys getting stuck now and then. I've corrected too-strong damper springs in a number of pianos. The clue is a heavy, springing-back at you feel--though the heaviness can also feel like the damper lift is too soon. Personally, I've run into more pianos with damper spring issues than hammer spring issues--though you can be sure if there are bobbling hammers, everything gets looked at. A few years ago I did a complete regulation on an eight year old Samick console that had had no dealer prep. There were three main culprits--the balance rail holes needed reaming (too tall), the dampers springs were too strong <and> the damper timing was too early. That piano certainly came alive with the touch corrected and a little voicing. A Yamaha P-22 was transformed with key work (taking care of tight bushings and balance holes)--not only was the touch nicer, but the piano's voicing opened up and there was more power. I also spent some time regulating and voicing--but I'm convinced the keywork made the biggest difference on that one. For the first time this month, I found a new piano in which the damper lift is too late. The dealer pointed the piano out to me saying that she thought it felt like an electronic keyboard... Barbara Richmond, RPT near Peoria, IL ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jon Page" <jonpage at comcast.net> To: <pianotech at ptg.org> Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 9:44 PM Subject: too much mass > Move the capstans forwards? Install balance rail shims behind the pins? > Either one will lower the ratio, you might even be able to remove some > front weight. > > Are the hammer, jack and damper springs overly tensioned? > > Balance rail hole too high, tight bushings...the usual suspects. > -- > > Regards, > > Jon Page >
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