Steinway parts - whippen heel

[David Love]

I agree that mix and match can create some problems.  But not always.  I
have mixed Renner wippens with Abel shanks with good results.  The old
teflon pianos seem to have leverage problems resulting in high front
weights.  My general way of working is to analyze the action leverage with
the old parts first with several samples.  After figuring out an average, I
decide whether I need to select a different knuckle position and/or move the
capstan to get the leverage I want.  When I know that, I will try different
parts to make sure I get the type of regulation I want.  Then I calculate a
maximum strike weight curve based on the action ratio and maximum key
leading.  I reduce the maximum leading by at least 10% and recalculate the
SW curve accordingly.  Then I target a hammer weight curve based on the
shank I will use (1.8 g for a Renner, 1.6 for an Abel).  Then I bore and
taper the hammers to try and get the target hammer weight.  Install and do
the weigh off using the balance weight method.  Works every time.  Of
course, I do the bushing work and key felt work and try to control friction
prior to doing the weigh off.

David Love


----- Original Message -----
From: "Roger Jolly" <baldyam@sk.sympatico.ca>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: May 12, 2002 11:26 AM
Subject: Re: Steinway parts - whippen heel


> At 11:18 AM 5/12/02 -0700, you wrote:
> >Whichever, the point was that it didn't quite fit correctly whereas
another
> >manufacturer's parts might have.
> >
> >David Love
> >
> Hi David,
>               A personal observation.  When mix and match parts seem to be
> in the equation, thats when the real geometry problems raises it's ugly
> head.  I have found several Steinway's, of the teflon era, that have had
> Renner hammers and shanks replaced, with the original wippens retained. In
> each case the results have been disasterous.
>  When ever I have replaced both wips and shanks with a single
> manufacturer's products, the out come has been satisfactory.
> Our proceedure is as follows.
>
> 1. Refurbish, and rebush the keys and key bed.Get the friction even in
this
> area.
> 2. Do a touch weight analysis, on the old action parts.
> 3. Do sample touch weight analysis with, American, Japanese, and German
parts.
> Using sample hammers of the type I will be ordering,at 4 points across the
> scale.
>
> This method makes the outcome very predictable, with minimum lead
weighting
> changes.  Unless I have felt the front weight is tooooooooo high to start
> with.
> It's not unusual to be able to remove some lead on the teflon era actions.
> If you spot 6 leads per key in the lower bass, you have an opportunity to
> dramatically improve the action with careful parts selection.
>
> Just my 2 cents worth.
>
> Regards Roger
> Roger Jolly
> Balwin Yamaha Piano Centres.
> Saskatoon/Regina.
> Canada.
>