heavy actioan

[PAT A RALPH]

Frank,

I ran into a Kimball several years ago - similar problem but even the damper
pedal was hard to press down.  A look at the damper springs compared to
others reveiled that they were the heavy spring.  I went through the whole
set and reduced the tension on the springs.  Another solution would be to
replace all the damper flanges or get damper cord and light replacement
springs and redo all the damper flanges.

Ken Gerler

----- Original Message -----
From: Frank Cahill <fcahill@erols.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, December 17, 1999 10:18 AM
Subject: heavy actioan


> I tuned a kimball spinet today with a very heavy action.
>
> I'd like to lighten things up but can't pinpoint the source. I checked
> the following:
>
> 1. Checked key bushings...they are snug. I eased one front bushing that
> seemed a little tight...no help. Balance rail key bushings ok.
>
> 2. Checked hammer return and whipps..they seemed ok
>
> 3. Played piano with dampler pedal depressed...that helped. I noticed
> that dampers lifted at less than 1/3 of hammer travel. I adjusted a
> coupple of dampers for very, very late lift. That seemed to help.  I
> checked damper lever felts...they looked very good..no tearing or deep
> pocket from spoon.
>
> So far, all I can see is a damper timing problem. I figure I could
> adjust some samples and them remove action and adjust remaining dampers
> to samples.   I can't imagine adjusting the dampers with action in
> piano.
>
> Am I missing something? The changes due to damaper adjustment are not
> earth shattering...I'd hate to remove a spinet action, adjust dampers,
> and then find out it was a waste of time.
> --
>
> Frank Cahill
> Associate Member, Piano Technicians Guild
> Northern Va