1/2 punching

[David Ilvedson]

What should the action spread of Bechstein be?   I just looked the wippen rail and there is a slot and an imprint where the washer was at one time...looks like it has been been narrowed...looks like 113 mm now...that might be the problem...the capstan wippen contact is back of the middle of the wippen cushion...
What do I look for in action levels?

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044


----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "David C. Stanwood" <stanwood at tiac.net>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Received: 8/5/2006 3:05:45 PM
Subject: Re: 1/2 punching



>>Hello to All.
>>
>>      Cutting the punching is an older  procedure than
>>that,  much older.
>>     I had a discussion at  Cal-State  years ago  with Wally
>>Brooks on this subject, he at that time had used it for  years.
>>      I first became aware if it in the late 1940's  or early
>>50's.  We called it  " Clipping the Centers".
>>    The man that taught this procedure was well into his
>>60's then.   I have demonstrated this in a class I  give
>>" Upright Touch on the Up and Up" many times
>>
>>  Regards,
>>Jack Wyatt

>Hi Jack

>Thank you so much for the added history....!   We have so much to learn for 
>our past and so much is often lost....  For me personally to have 
>discovered it on my own, being forced by need, and then discovering that it 
>is an age old technique gives me a true sense of connection with someone in 
>our piano past who had the same motivation...

>>Well, that's what I have on this Bechstein E...strikeweight of 6.0...the 
>>veneer shim sounds better...so the problem is the key leverage?   The KR 
>>averages .52...I would have to move the capstans to improve it otherwise?
>>
>>David Ilvedson, RPT

>Hi David

>Yes I would say that to otherwise change the overall ratio, then capstans 
>would be the solution.   Another solution is lighten the hammers.... tone 
>and voicing will guide your as to whether this is a better choice.  1/2 
>medium weight zone is generally the maximum mecommended for a weight ratio 
>of 6.0....  what's you strike weight level?   Spread, bore, & action 
>elevations look ok?  In my experience ratios levels of 5.7 or lower tend to 
>feel more controllable in all dynamic ranges.

>>In your photo, which really clarified the shim placement, is the bottom
>>punching made of wood?  Or does it just appear like that on my computer 
>>screen?
>>
>>Loren Hedahl

>Hi Loren,

>Both shims are of wood.  I'm sorry but I don't have a photo of a "Clipped 
>Center" but I'm sure you can imagine a half punching glued to the bottom of 
>the key.

>David Stanwood