Jason writes: >and (help me with the term I can't think of) the moment after backcheck, >when the hammers are supposed to rise an eighth of an inch before they >drop back, the repetition springs are too strong and they bounce up almost >to the string before falling. Greetings, I don't know about 1/8" rise. After the hammer checks, the rep. spring is supposed to be compressed enough to speed the return of the key. This is measured by the speed of hammer rise as it goes from check to "drop". Since drop is most optimally set at the same distance as let-off, (approx. 1/16"), the distance from check,which may be 1/2" from string, will be closer to 7/16". You needn't set spring tension before ascertaining that the grub is clean and lubed, the spring end polished, the balancier and hammerflange pinning is correct, and the knuckle/mortise friction is proper. Then set spring tension so that the hammer rises as fast as possible without recoil being felt in the key. That 100 year old Steinway may have the "silver" springs",(I don't know what the alloy is). If so, be prepared for some breakage. Good luck, Ed Foote RPT
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC