Vertical damper springs

[Greg Newell]

O.K. NOW I get it!  Simple mind you know .....

Greg

Farrell wrote:

> 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

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