lead wire/downweight, etc.

[Farrell]

I should think there are two basic approaches to make this action "more firm".

First, make sure everything is in order with the action - geometry, friction, action centers, rep spring, etc.

Somehow you need to evaluate whether an increase in the balance weight of the keys with no change in key inertia is the type of "firmness" the pianist is looking for - or would an increase in inertia with no change in balance weight be what s/he is looking for - or some combination of the two?

You can increase inertia by placing off-setting leads in the keys without changing anything else about the touchweight. Inertia and tone would change if you add lead to hammers and key fronts while keeping balance weight unchanged. You can increase balance weight by removing lead from the fronts of keys (if more "firmness is wanted, you likely don't want to decrease inertia), adding lead to the rear of keys (lead in hammers would likely be a better option), or adding weight to hammers (or you looking for some change in tone/power?). And of course, you can always change balance weight by changing the geometry of the action.

Many things to consider here.

Are you familiar with Stanwood principles? A situation like this is where that stuff really shines.

Terry Farrell
  ----- Original Message ----- 

  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
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