Steinway Touchweight Problem

[David ilvedson]

Hi Stan,

I would work on the friction first.  Check the flanges for about 6 
swings and if tight try Protek and/or repin.  Try a sample and 
see if you can bring the friction down.  That might give you a 
little better downweight.  Your upweight is nice and high so 
removing wood from the molding with a 1" belt sander will do 
wonders for whatever is left after the friction work.

Good luck,

David Ilvedson


Date sent:      	Wed, 2 Jun 1999 21:08:52 -0500 (CDT)
To:             	pianotech@ptg.org
From:           	stan@pianoexperts.mb.ca (Stan Kroeker)
Subject:        	Steinway Touchweight Problem
Send reply to:  	pianotech@ptg.org

> Hi, all!
> 
> Problem:  Early 60's vintage Steinway 'L', with original teflon wippens and
> recently replaced (by someone else) shanks and flanges.  Parts are from
> Steinway and are 15 mm knuckle execution.  Downweight now in the high 60's,
> upweight in the high 20's, action weight in mid 40's and friction in high
> teens.  Action spread ranges from 113 to 114 mm.
> 
> I have no way of knowing what size the original hammers were but tried a
> sample from a recent rebuild.  This admittedly well-worn Steinway hammer
> and shank was placed in its original location (A49) on my client's action
> and the touchweight came back to a more acceptable 52 (D) and 25 (U).


> 
> The new hammers are noticeably larger than the old 'stand-in' and the tails
> are 3/16" longer (at drop position the bottom of the tails are about 3/16"
> below the tops of the backchecks).
> 
> Am I correct in assuming I have excessive weight on the hammers?  Any
> wisdom in shortening the tails to correct the relationship of tail to
> backcheck?  The backchecks themselves appear to be new but it is difficult
> to know for sure.  They are considerably larger than the backcheck Renner
> includes in its sample parts kit.  Would an excessively large backcheck
> contribute appreciably to high action weight?
> 
> Lots of questions here but the correct answers win a happy customer!
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> Stan Kroeker
> Registered Piano Technician
> 
> www.pianoexperts.mb.ca
> 
> 
> 


David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA
ilvey@jps.net