[CAUT] steinway upright regluation problem

[Ed Sutton]

In an action like this, the wippen/capstan contact is far from the "magic 
line," which predicts the problem you have found. Anything that reduces 
friction between the captan and heel will help. Steam, iron, or replace the 
cushion. Polish the capstan. Lube capstan and cushion.
Not to mention the need for back weighting as well.

Ed S.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "J H" <jlhservice at gmail.com>
To: <caut at ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2010 10:10 PM
Subject: Re: [CAUT] steinway upright regluation problem


thanks all.  good points.  i forgot to look at key leading, but, yes,
if i applied light pressure to the back of the keys the problem went
away.  just needed a little more weight to get things back to rest.
usually that's a sign of a tight keybushing or centerpin, etc.  not so
in this case!

thanks again,

jeremy

On Sat, Sep 25, 2010 at 10:04 AM, Joe Goss <imatunr at srvinet.com> wrote:
> Hi Jeremy,
> Check for a dimple in the wippen cushion.
> If there file the dimple out or if there is too much noise on return 
> replace
> cushion.
> Joe Goss BSMusEd MMusEd RPT
> imatunr at srvinet.com
> www.mothergoosetools.com
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: J H
> To: caut at ptg.org
> Sent: Saturday, September 25, 2010 8:40 AM
> Subject: [CAUT] steinway upright regluation problem
> Hi all - I recently tuned a small S&S console from the 40's (the little
> short ones, somewhat decorative case). The hammers/keys returned to rest
> very very slowly when the damper pedal was being used, and it was 
> noticeable
> even without the pedal engaged. Other than newer hammers, it's all
> original. The hammers seemed a little oversized for the piano. So, I have
> checked everything: hammer flange center pins and return springs, wippen
> flange centerpin, jack centerpin and springs, capstans for 
> buildup/residue,
> keybushings, key balance hole, dampers, everything. No problems with
> sluggishness anywhere. Each part of the action, the hammer, wippen, and
> keystick operates fine independently. The hammer/wippen actions operate
> just fine when you remove the key and push up on the capstan pad. The only
> problem is when you introduce the key. It really seems like things are
> binding up at the capstan pads. So, could wear and tear cause the cap/pads
> to bunch up and throw off the regulation geometry? The cap/pads are pretty
> worn and "dimpled". Could the larger replacement hammers change the way an
> upright hammer returns to rest? Did I miss something? The customer
> probably won't even notice this but it's bothering me that I couldn't 
> figure
> it out.
>
> Thanks!
> Jeremy