Help on repairs!!

[bases-loaded@juno.com]

Jim -

I would definitely check the key weights, as previously mentioned.  Also,
you may have badly worn butt leather, and/or the hammer may not be
catching high enough (closer to strings) for the jack to faithfully
return.   I recently had a somewhat similar problem that turned out to be
badly worn damper lever felt engaged by the spoon on the damper lever. 
It had become rough and misshapened and was causing drag on the return
sometimes.   

When you say you repinned the flanges, did this include the jack flanges?

Mark Potter
bases-loaded@juno.com  

On Wed, 29 Dec 1999 17:59:53 EST JSmith3109@AOL.COM writes:
> Dear list:
> 
> The piano is a Cable-Nelson Ser.#316422 (1948-49) I have tuned the 
> piano for 
> about 10 years. Many times they call me about keys that do not work. 
> Mainly 
> in octaves 4 and 5 (F#-A-4: G-A#-5) The problem: The keys will work 
> several 
> times, then the jack fails to return under the hammer butt. If you 
> work at a 
> little it will go back under and then work for several more times 
> (maybe 
> 15-20, maybe 2 weeks).I have adjusted the regulating screw, the 
> capstan, 
> replaced the jack springs,adjusted the spoon,used Protek on the key, 
> 
> re-pinned the flanges, checked the key bushings,but still they 
> refuse to work 
> as they should. What am I missing? The piano is not abused as it it 
> used by 3 
> girls in the family that are serious about the piano and do a lot of 
> 
> practicing. I would like to try something else so that I can leave 
> the house 
> and feel confident that the keys will work for the kids.