[pianotech] X-Ratcheting Counter Bearing Shim

[David Ilvedson]

I like it, I have not had a lot of luck with protek on the understring felt.   You do need to have contact with the felt though or you have some ringing?

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "Jon Page" <jonpage at comcast.net>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Received: 4/11/2010 12:09:40 PM
Subject: [pianotech] X-Ratcheting Counter Bearing Shim


>What I have done before to eliminate ratcheting wires in agraffes is to
>replace the wire. I had an idea the last time - or maybe it was someone
>on the list :-)  -  Install a shim to alter the termination point on the wire.

>I picked up some .017" x 1/4" brass stock to experiment the next
>opportunity.  The one on the left is single layer and the right is folded.
>I seated them with a punch which caused the curl.

>The ratcheting is gone and the tuning is smooth. This would be a quick field
>work-around. I would use 3/8" stock and make them neater.

>I settled on 1/8 x 1/4" half-round stock. Looks much better. The wire is lifted
>with an offset screw driver with a piece of plastic credit card stock 
>underneath
>(a palette knife underneath still marred the plate). No need to let the tension
>down, net result 1/4 tone rise in pitch.  I need to install these 
>throughout the
>entire tenor section.

>The beauty of this is that it is non-intrusive and keeps a piano tunable
>without the need for restringing. A time and money saver which really helps
>with a spec piano or an owner with no budget for repairs.

>Keep this in your bag of hero-maker tricks. I'm making extras to 
>carry to tunings!
>-- 

>Regards,

>Jon Page