[CAUT] Capstans to Tray

[RicB]

Hi Jon

I just took a look at the Spurlock jig along with the directions for 
use.  http://www.spurlocktools.com/HTMLobj-423/underleverjig2.pdf
Interesting enough the paragraph under Theory clearly warns against 
using the capstans for adjusting tray lift, and tho the reason is 
different (Spurlock points to the damper stop rail, Yamaha points to the 
problem I've related) the solution presented is essentially the same, 
tho accomplished slightly differently.

Spurlock wants a straight line for the damper levers as a starting 
point... assumes good even keyend felt thickness and proper key 
leveling, even rest cushion etc... Yamaha makes the same assumption but 
accomplishes the straight line using the tray itself and capstans as I 
described instead of jacking up the the damper levels with a jig.  There 
is an extra step as far as I can see in the Yamaha way... namely 
leveling the capstans.

When it comes down to it... I'm not sure the capstans are really all 
that good an idea outside of the ease of adjustment for tray lift 
thing... which carries with it the possibilities of changing key timing 
and the problem Spurlock points out with the stop rail.

Ok, ok... I'll be the first to say that if the instrument is very well 
regulated then a few tweaks are not going to cause any major problems... 
but instruments get tweaked a lot by folks who dont see consequences of 
what they are doing... often enough by folks what dont know what they 
are doing at all. 

Anyways... thats the reason I dont use capstans for tray lift 
adjustment.  If I adjust them... its to address timing...which means I'm 
in for a tray lift regulation afterwards and the rest of it.  But I dont 
really see that as a problem.

Interesting discussion, and the views expressed have exposed me to a 
couple perspectives I haven't looked at closely for a while.

Cheers
RicB