lead wire/downweight, etc.

[Dave Davis]

I suggest starting with Terry's first approach to make sure the action is correct. As you already know, simple things like damper upstop rail too high (bouncing dampers), drop set too low (extra bump before let-off), late damper timing (extra bump before let-off) fast repetition springs (key jumps when the backcheck releases) and the list goes on, can be unsettling to the pianist and could be translated as not firm.

Dave Davis, RPT

----- Original Message ----
From: Farrell <mfarrel2 at tampabay.rr.com>
To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 11:51:54 AM
Subject: Re: lead wire/downweight, etc.


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?
 
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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