M&H damper spoon problem-more tips

[Billbrpt@AOL.COM]

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In a message dated 5/3/01 8:40:07 AM Central Daylight Time, Tvak@AOL.COM
 writes:


> I have many directions to 
> look at this from now, and will post when the problem it is licked

I'd for sure take up the offer to call the person who offered to talk you 
through the problem step by step.  Let's consider a couple of scenarios, 
though:  One, no method is flawless.  Two, instead of a simple problem, (all 
dampers are lifting early), the whole thing is helter skelter.

You can make adjustments to the spoons without lifting the whole action out 
of the piano.  It can simply be tilted back.  Many regulating tasks are like 
this:  you simply have to *estimate* the amount to be adjusted, then put the 
action back and see if what you did has worked.

The posts that hold most vertical actions in are actually short, stiff 
springs.  It generally is a good thing if they hold down on the action firmly 
but it makes it difficult for the technician to take the action in and out.  
Some technicians have a special crow bar for this.  I just use a pair of 
channel lock pliers, being careful not to mar the posts (a piece of buckskin 
in between the pliers and the post will help).  With practice, you can learn 
to free the action and replace it quickly, multiple times.

Knowing that just a little tweak of the spoon inwards or outwards will make a 
big difference in the point at which the damper lever is engaged, you can 
mark each incorrect adjustment with a "+" for "too early" or a "-" for "too 
late".  Now, tilt the action back and tweak each incorrectly adjusted spoon 
either in or out as appropriate.  Put the action back in place.  Now try all 
the dampers again.  Keep repeating this process until you have eliminated the 
incorrect adjustments.

Here is another "quick but not so dirty" way you can adjust dampers that are 
lifting too early in a direct blow (console or studio) or spinet (drop) 
action.  With the right hand playing the key, reach under the keybed with 
your left hand and find the moving lever with your fingers.  Press and hold 
the key.  Your fingers may be able to gently press on the lever, thus causing 
the spoon to bend in slightly.  If you can't reach the damper levers from 
under the keybed, you may be able to with the keys removed.  You can move the 
wippen with your right hand.

If you press one in too far, you can use the above tilting back method to 
correct it.  Only on the full size Upright will you not be able to reach the 
damper levers with your left hand.

Good luck and let us all know which techniques served to solve the problems.

Bill Bremmer RPT
Madison, Wisconsin

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