Vertical damper springs

[Farrell]

Hi Greg. Since I was so impressed with your ETD post, I'll chime in here
because I am quite sure I understand.

Let's say the damper trapwork is on the bass side of piano. Therefore the
little extension on the damper lift rod is at the bass end (sticks out
toward rear with hole in it so that dowel from pedal level can go into it).
Now, when in piano, the dowel pushes up on damper lift rod extension to
raise dampers. Instead of pushing up on damper lift rod, we will be pulling
up from above to raise dampers. You could simply take a string (you won't
because it would break - but just for example), tie it to the damper lift
rod extension hole and pull up. That would rotate the damper lift rod and
raise the dampers. That's what we will do with the turnbuckle. One end of
turnbuckle attaches (with hook or whatever) to hole in damper lift rod
extension, and the other end attaches, above, to the bolt/screw hole in the
bass end action bracket (where it attaches to plate when installing in
piano). Now simply adjust/screw the turnbuckle and you can pull up on the
damper lift rod extension (rotate the damper lift rod) to raise the dampers
just as happens in the piano - the same kind of torque applied at the same
location. This avoids any tendency to distort the damper rail or damper lift
rod causing an altered pattern of damper lift (by wedging block in
somewhere).

Terry Farrell
Piano Tuning & Service
Tampa, Florida
mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Greg Newell" <gnewell@ameritech.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2001 11:08 PM
Subject: Re: Vertical damper springs


Graeme,
    I don't suppose that you would have a digital picture of this turnbuckle
gizmo would you? My feeble brain just can't picture it.

Greg

Graeme Harvey wrote:

> Richard,
>
> There is a way of quickly and accurately adjusting spoons on the bench by
> using a bolt through the left action bracket hole (hangs out over the lift
> rod) which allows a small turnbuckle to connect from the bolt down to the
> damper lift rod at the same point the pedal dowel connects to.
> (As opposed to simply wedging the liftrod out from the action rail which
> causes distortion to the rail and consequently upsets the regulation)
>
> First adjust the damper lift timing via the pedal so all lift
> simultaneously.
> Play a few notes and mark a few where the spoon lift is correct. If none
are
> then adjust a few to use as samples.
> Place action on bench and fit bolt and turnbuckle. Adjust turnbuckle to
> simulate the pedal dowel lifting the dampers until the marked dampers AND
> their respective hammers both start moving simultaneously.
> Timing of spoon lift should be similar for each of the marked samples.
> Then simply start at one end of the action holding each wippen while
> adjusting the spoon as you go.
> I use a regulation tool, 6mm rod with a slot in one end. The action can be
> either way around, whatever way works for you.
>
> Above procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes and yeilds very consistent
and
> repeatable results.
> For obvious reasons the lift timing must be spot on and  lift rail
bushings
> etc in good condition.
>
>  It is also described in Reblitz's Piano Servicing book in the appendix
> (though the method he uses to prop up the lift rail is different  the
> general procedure is the same)
>
> I also followed this tread on spring tension and agree that it is
important
> and impacts directly on the touch.
> Try adjusting a spring one way or the other then play over it a few times
> and you will feel the effect it has.
> Same can be said for spoons too.
>
> Cheers,
> Graeme Harvey
> New Plymouth NZ
>
> Richard Brekne wrote.......
>
> >In anycase.. I agree that many seem (myself included) to shrug
> >away from regulateing damper spoons.. probably cus the darn
> >things are hidden from view when doing this, as is usual (and
> >neccessary ??) with the action installed. I questioned neccessary
> >because I seem to remember seeing something about a jig and
> >accompanying procedure for doing this job on the bench... anyone
> >remember anything about this.. or know about it ??

--
Greg Newell
Greg's Piano Forté
19270 Harlon Ave.
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
216-226-3791
mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net