Counter-bearing drag

[Frank Emerson]

I have encountered severe cases such as you describe, where no amount of
lubrication would relieve the problem.  My solution  was as you described
with a brass half round counterbearing.  However, I would not totally
eliminate the felt, but select a thickness of felt that will only lightly
contact the string.  I would also use a narrower width felt.  It doesn't
take much to silence this tiny string segment.

Frank Emerson


> [Original Message]
> From: Jon Page <jonpage at comcast.net>
> To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
> Date: 8/3/2007 9:20:32 AM
> Subject: Counter-bearing drag
>
> There is a S&S locally right on the water, well not really, water 
> view/water front.
>
> There is noticeable and detrimental drag to a section in the high tenor.
> I can move the lever almost '5 minutes' (clock index) before the tension
drops,
> conversely on raising. Needless to say, these notes are not stable.
>
> Short of replacing the wire in that section (complete restringing is 
> not in the cards
> for this family) could a thin brass strip be placed between the 
> strings and counter-
> bearing to facilitate the rendering of the strings. If not only a 
> small curved segment
> at the top edge of the felt.
>
> I plan to replace the strings on my next visit to their area
> but thought this might be an expedient option.
>
> When restringing, I don't replace the counter-bearing as originally
designed
> with friction for the entire surface. I limit it to the top edge. My 
> next one wil
> have simply a half-round or half-oval with non-bearing felt between 
> that and the agraffe.
> -- 
>
> Regards,
>
> Jon Page
>