perplexing problem

[tech@steinway.com]

Del and List,

I agree with most of your response to the original "perplexing problem" 
post and would say that your comments about regulation and weigh-off are 
good advice, but I must take issue with your statements about the Steinway 
production procedures (excerpt below).  You have a lot of credibility and 
many on this list seem to believe what you say without question (because it 
is usually based on your extensive personal experience).  I would ask, 
however, that you not present your speculations about the Steinway factory 
as fact.

Weigh-off is one of the last things done to a grand piano before it leaves 
our factory.  The only operations done after are final polishing and final 
inspection - two to three weeks, at the most.  Final regulation and 90% of 
voicing are done immediately prior to the weigh-off specifically so that 
they do not alter the touch-weight.  There is simply no opportunity and no 
reason for leads to be removed before the piano leaves the factory.

On the rare occasions that the Concert department has removed lead from a 
new piano, because of parts changes or hammer size reduction, they have 
always plugged the holes.

If anyone on this list comes across a Steinway, just out of the box, that 
has empty holes in the keys, please let us know.  We would be happy to help 
with plugs or replacement leads, and we would be very curious to know what 
happened to the original leads.

Stephen Dove
Steinway & Sons
New York

-----Original Message-----
From:	Delwin D Fandrich [SMTP:pianobuilders@olynet.com]
Sent:	Tuesday, September 08, 1998 2:30 PM
To:	pianotech@ptg.org
Subject:	Re: perplexing problem


This is not all that uncommon.  It is a particular problem with actions 
that are
"individually weighed-off" at the factory.  It is very common with these 
actions
for them to be weighed off with more leads than are necessary -- or 
desirable --
to compensate for excessive action center friction.  As the action wends 
its way
through the production process most, or at least some, of this friction is
reduced leaving the action feeling excessively light.  So, leads are 
removed.

Del