older Steinway whippens

[Jon Page]

An old saying comes to mind:
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

These old parts have to be adjusted in order to ascertain 
their potential. Sometimes more than a quick  - one/two - 
is needed but you have to start somewhere.

If nothing else then to at least give the customer a reference
point to decide whether a lighter or heavier action is desired.
Hammers too, bright or mellow.

Key bushings, key buttons. There is more to getting an old
action 'up to snuff" than screwing on a few new parts.

Why stop at the whippens?
How about getting rid of those old keys?
Sound Board?  

Back action, those underlevers definitely must go if you are
to replace the damper felt, no arguments there ( Renner USA).
The spring loaded sos. tab is a vast improvement over the stiff
felt covered one.

Jon Page
Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass. (jpage@capecod.net)
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~~At 08:18 PM 8/12/98 -0700, you wrote:
~~>>...New parts are not always the answer.
~~
~~>>Jon Page

~~>
~~>>I believe it is a mistake to allow your customers' requirements to define
~~>>your standards. If you want to climb the ladder in a craft business, set
~~>>high standards.
>>David McCord

What if they get a second opinion, the next guy tweeks the action and
everything is acceptable to them. How do you look now.
You look like a new part installer, not a craftsman.
I have high standards and people here know they will not be sold a bill of
goods.
>

>I have to side with Jon on this one.  Blanket or wholesale endorsement of
>replacement of parts is not always the appropriate course.
>
>As a crude example: It would make me kind of wonder if a dentist who
>discovers I have numerous cavities due to extreme neglect and use said,
>"Yank 'em all 'cause the teeth you were born with aren't worth it."  I'd be
>very suspect of someone who recommended that course of correction until
>clear evidence was shown it would be in my best interest to let go of the
>"originals" I was born with.
>
>I'd like to keep what I got until it becomes absolutely necessary to
>replace.  Once the originals are gone, there's no turning back.  No less
>with fine pianos.
>
>My experience,
>
>Keith McGavern
>kam544@earthlink.net
>Registered Piano Technician
>Oklahoma Chapter 731
>Piano Technicians Guild
>USA
>
Or a car mechanic who claims you need a new engine when a valve job will do.

Jon Page
Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass. (jpage@capecod.net)
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