[pianotech] Help with Krakauer Damper size

[Larry T.]

Terry... Thank you! The piano is fairly young but most bass dampers are
loose at the felt block, which, for some reason, (probably environment) are
hanging about 45 degrees when the action is pulled. (felt looks like it's
coming apart!) Impossible to regulate. I could just put new back felt on
them but that would risk ruining some along the way, so I chose to replace
the wedges. I downloaded Bill Spurlock's article and just glimpsed over it
and it looks exciting. I always felt (pun intended) that bass dampers were
lacking proper engineering and that there was a lot of room for improvement.
So Bill's method is something I'm going to try. Thanks you! 
Larry Trischetta

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Terry Farrell
Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2012 10:52 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Help with Krakauer Damper size

Just curious - what is the apparent cause for needing new dampers on a less
than 30 year old console?

IMHO, if you are looking to do a very basic/minimally-acceptable job,
proceed as planned. However, if your objective is to provide optimal bass
dampening for this piano, I highly recommend that you download, read and
implement Bill Spurlock's article on vertical damper replacement. He not
only describes how to make superior dampers, but also how to position,
install and regulate them. His approach includes larger than OEM bass
dampers. Excellent material. If you do not wish to make your own dampers,
Jurgen at Pianoforte Supply:
http://www.pianofortesupply.com/products/feltscloth/damper-felt/  I don't
see his large vertical bass dampers on his new website, but he has had them
in the past. May need to ask.

Terry Farrell

On Nov 10, 2012, at 5:16 AM, Larry T. wrote:

> I need help with some damper info! I need to order a set of bass damper
> wedges from Schaff on Monday and I left my samples at the job which is
about
> 35 miles away. And there is no contact person! So, can anybody tell me the
> dimensions of the bass dampers on a 1983 Krakauer console?  1-3/8 x
> 3/8(Standard); 1-3/4 x 3/8(Old Style); 1-3/4 x 5/16(New Style, Back off
> center); or 1-5/8 x 5/16(back off center). I assume the New style but I'll
> be wrong if I guess!
> Thanks in advance.
> Larry Trischetta
>