for RustRazor

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi Rusty:

A couple of years ago I dealt with this problem of Baldwin rep springs.
The generic problem is one of spring-rate. This is quite evident in the 
small Baldwins like M, R and L which use the Clemson action with the 
short spring with a loop in it. Since this spring is so short, the 
presure changes too much when it is actuated. It is necessary to have a 
quicker rise of the hammer from check in order that the spring will 
still be strong enough to support the hammer at rest. Too loose pinning 
of the rep lever or too tight pinning can both cause problems. The basic 
problem is the short spring. This is born out in a comparison of the 
"butterfly spring on Steinways and old M&H pianos compared to those 
which use the Schwander action with the long straight spring. The 
butterfly spring works better because it is longer. The better 
manufacturers have more or less come to agreement on this in the last 10 
years.

Jim Coleman, Sr.