Quieting Grand Action Noise

[Tom Servinsky]

Dittos to Roger's steaming suggestions.
Steam is one of the best ways to rejuvenate wool or wood parts. Although
it's effects are not completely permanent they  do correct problems for an
incredibly long period of time .
Voicing hard hammers, sizing mortises, balancier holes are great candidates
for this procedure. If  you haven't  gone on the band wagon yet you've got
learn the techniques of steaming.
Tom Servinsky,RPT
----- Original Message -----
From: "jolly roger" <baldyam@sk.sympatico.ca>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2001 12:14 AM
Subject: Re: Quieting Grand Action Noise


> At 09:57 PM 9/22/01 -0400, you wrote:
> >Hello.
> >Another method is similar to Roger Jolly's steam voicing technique.
> >Remove the stack, and turn it upside down exposing the wippen cushions.
> >Then use the hammer iron, with a slightly damp cloth, to steam out the
> >dents worn in the cushion.  It is quick and easy, and it works well.
> >
> >Roy Peters
> >Cincinnati, Ohio
> >
>
> Hi Roy Etal,
>                    A few uses for steam to quiet an action.
>
> 1.  Revitalize BR bushings and balance rail holes:   I have a whistling
> kettle with the whistle removed it gives a nice forceful 1/8" jet of
steam.
>   Insert accu cauls into bushings. ( .047 for most American pianos)  Steam
> BR holes, enough steam gets up and and swells bushing cloth.  Leave over
> night to dry.  Next day the bushings are much tighter and the BR holes
will
> be tight.   Size holes ot fit keys.    The whole job only takes a couple
of
> hrs for a big gain.   Polish and Protec the pins,  reduces potential for
> sqeeks and groans.
>
> 2. Revitilalize FR Bushings,  quick pass of steam jet and install .050"
> AcuCaul.  The will remove most of the side to side key slop.
> Turn the worst FR pins for correct fit.
>
> 3. The wippen cloth as above,  do this before adjusting the hammer line,
> you will often find the hammer line ends up where it should be.  Can save
a
> lot of capstan turning.
>
> Cleaning up a noisy key bed like this will make a big difference, and will
> help in selling a key bushing job further down the road.
> It's an expedient inexpensive treatment,  that works well for a medium
term
> fix.
>
> Hope this helps
>
> Roger
>
>
>