lead wire/downweight, etc.

[Mark Schecter]

Hi, Dave.

Within the last couple weeks, there was discussion of using binder clips 
on hammer shanks to add strike weight. Installation is fast and easy, 
under 1 hour even the first time. Removal takes about 10 minutes. There 
are no drawbacks in my experience (3 pianos) or that I've heard 
mentioned by anyone else. Each clip weighs about 1 gram ("mini" size) 
adding 5-6 grams to DW and UW. Might require a little rep spring 
tweaking. Your example is the perfect application, I think.

-Mark Schecter



piannaman at aol.com wrote:
> I'm glad this subject came up now.   It allows my inexperience in these 
> matters to come to the surface...
>  
> I got a call from a store that has a customer with a Seiler 186 grand, 
> brand new, with all Renner action and Abel hammers.  Her teacher is 
> well-known, and seems to want to add his stamp to the purchase.  He is 
> saying that the action is not firm enough.  This has caused some 
> customer concern.
>  
> I have not seen this particular piano, but I am quite familiar with the 
> model.  Most of my clients who own these pianos are happy with a 
> downweight of 50 -55 grams, which is how they usually arrive.  I've 
> actually had several complain that the action is too heavy feeling, but 
> never "not firm enough."
>  
> I suspect this client wouldn't have complained about anything but for 
> the teacher saying that it is inadquate for her son.
>  
> A few thoughts:
>  
> I've seen the rep springs get weak after a very short period of time to 
> the point of failure--that is, inability to hold the hammer up.  This is 
> a distinct possibility.
>  
> Excess friction could be affecting upweight as well as downweight, 
> thereby making it feel far less responsive.
>  
> I have never used wire to increase hammer weight.  Is there a thread in 
> the archives about it, or can someone describe the procedure? 
>  
> Thanks,
>  
>  
>  
> Dave Stahl
> 
> Dave Stahl Piano Service
> 650-224-3560
> dstahlpiano at sbcglobal.net
> http://dstahlpiano.net/
> 
> 
> 
>  
>  
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ilvey at sbcglobal.net
> To: pianotech at ptg.org
> Sent: Tue, 9 Jan 2007 5:53 PM
> Subject: RE: lead wire
> 
> Pianotek
> 
> David Ilvedson, RPT
> Pacifica, CA  94044
> 
> 
> ----- Original message ----------------------------------------
> From: "ed miller" <edmiller3 at hotmail.com <mailto:edmiller3%40hotmail.com>>
> To: pianotech at ptg.org <mailto:pianotech%40ptg.org>
> Received: 1/9/2007 4:54:38 PM
> Subject: lead wire
> 
> 
>>Where do people buy their lead wire used to increase grand hammer weight?
> 
>>Thanks, Ed
> 
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