Today I went to a Heintzman 186 Conservatory Grand for the first time. I believe that the serial number, (which was written in invisible ink), is 250807. The customer says that it is 31 years old. It is generally in pretty good condition. I was called in because of a noise in the action. I immediately diagnosed the problem as a loose fastener on the hammer rest rail. I went to pull the action and could not get it out because the hammer flange screws were hitting on the stretcher board. The stretcher board looks perfect and is solid. I loosened the lyre fastening screws, just in case they might have been too long and might be projecting through the key bed. The leg bolts were not protruding and the unicorda was functioning normally. I backed off, (raised), the bedding screws a lot, (I'd say at least three turns, but I was not counting). I still could not get the action out. I was able to flex the hammer flange rail and cause the key frame to give some. My assumption is that the glide screws have been over-extended for a long period of time and the key frame has been warped upwards and has taken on a set. I advised the customer to allow the action to rest for a while, and perhaps the key frame will relax. I told her to call me when the notes start double striking. Did I miss anything? Is there something unusual about a Heintzman which I am not aware of? Do you think my assumption might be correct? If the action does not settle down, can you recommend a good method for getting it out and back in? I can't see reducing the dimension of the stretcher as the correct answer. They had to get it in somehow. It's entirely possible that the action has seen no service in 31 years. Any suggestion is appreciated Thank you, Glenn V. Key Note Piano Service -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/20071123/3bebc586/attachment.html
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC