Making new damper lift tray

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi David:

I'm assuming that you have checked the end pivot blocks and that they 
have not moved or the pins have not broken off.

Since you have to take out all of the dampers anyway, you might find it
much easier to unwarp the damper lifter tray than to build a new one.
Better yet, Chris Robinson and Rick Baldassin have given excellent classes
on installing new damper systems. They may have a video tape of this class
for sale.

If you get real lucky, you could possibly unwarp the rail in location by
putting a contrary pressure to the rail from where the pitman contacts the
tray. You would have to wedge up the two ends and wedge down the pitman
contact point. You know the old adage: "What goes up must come down."

Jim Coleman, Sr.



On Thu, 10 Sep 1998, Vanderhoofven wrote:

> Dear Friends,
> 
> 20 year old Sohmer grand, model 57
> 
> During a recent move, the pitman got wedged out of place and really warped
> the damper lift tray.  Even when the sustain pedal is adjusted with no lost
> motion, the bass and treble dampers will not even lift off of the strings.
> After adjusting all of the capstans on the lift tray that adjust damper
> lift with the pedal, there is still only about 1/16" lift in the dampers.
> 
> Has anyone had good experience in unwarping one of these damper lift trays?
>  Is it easier to make a new one?  And lastly, how much time should I
> estimate the job will take?  (The moving company insurance will be paying me.)
> 
> Thanks!
> David Vanderhoofven
> 
>