Bechstein rebuild

[Andrew Remillard]

I completely agree. There was a noticable effect in the Becky with the
rocker set-up. Very low friction and a very direct feel to the action.

I was thinking this was some sort of retrofit, but it must have been done
very early in the piano's life because the parts were as old and worn as the
rest of the piano.  It will get a complete re-examination regarding
geometry, etc.

Thanks for the thoughts.

On Fri, Apr 18, 2008 at 5:43 PM, Jurgen Goering <
pianoforte at pianofortesupply.com> wrote:

> If there are divots from rocker capstans present on the keysticks, isn't
> that an indication that the standard capstans (and wippens) are a retro-fit
> and not factory original?
>
> Be sure to confirm the action geometry and lines of convergence (magic
> lines) on a converted action.  I have seen some real butcher jobs.
>
> Personally, I kind of like the rocker capstans with the abstracts
> connecting the keys to the wippens.  They give a direct feel and are
> virtually friction-free.
>
> Jurgen Goering
>
>
>
> On Apr 18, 2008, at 15:08, Andrew Remillard wrote:
>
> >
> > To any all experienced Bechstein folks:
> >
> > The patient is mine and is a spec rebuild so that is why I am only now
> > discovering some interesting features of this creature.
> > It is a 6' 6" grand and dates from around 1898. A few years ago I
> > rebuilt an 8' Becky from about 1929. In this model I found rocker capstans
> > which attached directly to the wippen. (Picture how replacement plastic
> > elbows work.)
> > Much to my surprise when we opened up this older model we found regular
> > capstans.  Since my experience with older Bechstiens is limited, I just
> > figured they used different configurations for different pianos.  Then when
> > we started taking the action apart, what do we find but plugged holes and
> > divots as one would find with rocker capstans! Then I take a closer look at
> > the stack and am immediately impressed with how WN&G everything looks. No
> > labels but I do find numbers cast into the sides of the brackets just like
> > we usually find on WN&G brackets. The hammers flanges also look very
> > un-European. That is no pin in the back of the flange.  However, with these
> > observations aside, if I looked just at the apparent age of the parts I
> > wouldn't think anything was amiss.
> >
> > So...anybody see something like this before? Did Bechstein use a variety
> > of action set ups thought the years? Even going retro as late as the 1920's?
>
>


-- 
Andrew Remillard
ANRPiano.com
2211 Curtiss St.
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-852-5058
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