STEINWAY B TOUCHWEIGHT

[David Love]

I agree that the friction problems are most likely in the hammer flanges. 
My experience is similar to yours in this.  Tightness at the balance rail
is often another problem.  Still, the balance weight will be unaffected
addressing the friction.  He recently gave me a few more readings on some
other notes that had the BW up in the high 40's.  To bring the balance
weight down to 38 grams it would require 1.5 to 2 grams off the hammers
(not recommended), adding one full lead toward the front of the key
(probably not advisable since the keys seem to have a full complement of
lead already), or a change in leverage.  It seems very likely that a change
in leverage, i.e., move the capstan, is in order.  It is not likely that
the dealer will pay for this.  According to the dealer, a piano at this
weight is considered within the range of "normal".  It's unfortunate that
$60,000 doesn't get you a better answer than that.  

David Love
davidlovepianos@earthlink.net


> [Original Message]
> From: <A440A@aol.com>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Date: 7/14/2003 3:03:01 AM
> Subject: Re: STEINWAY B TOUCHWEIGHT
>
>  roger  writes:
>
> << Take a close look at the friction issue first, 10.5 to 11gms 
> may just cure all problems, Start by fitting the keys, and polishing the
key 
> pins and calstans,  Then 
> burnish some Teflon on the knuckles.
> Check weight again.
> I would also polish and lub the rep sting and slot.<<
>
>
>     Greetings,  
> The first thing I would do would be to check the hammershank pinning. 
I'll 
> bet a brand new mute that you will find 90% of the problem right there. 
This 
> isn't uncommon on new Steinways.  There will be the occasional whippen
center 
> that is also too tight, they are easy to check with all the hammersshanks 
> removed. (just turn the stack on its back and watch them swing).  
>    I have had several instances of excessively tight pinning on these
pianos. 
> Once repaired,( I repin them), the springs can be softened a great deal
and 
> most of the "heaviness" is gone. This, of course, doesn't address erratic
SW or 
> FW, but the correct friction makes a phenomenal improvement.  It is also
a 
> good time to do a regulation, since you will have a bit of spacing and
traveling 
> to do.   
> Good luck, 
> Ed Foote RPT 
> www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/
> www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html
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