[pianotech] In a quandry

[Gerald Groot]

My college prefer's their Steinway grands to JUST dampen the strings.  I do
mean, JUST too!  They begin to move immediately when the key is moved.  It
is a tricky situation to set the dampers so that they shut off but yet, lift
exactly as the key is pushed down.  Some ringing is likely to take place in
situations such as this one.  But, I try and eliminate it as much as
possible.  I would adjust the spoons as equally as possible with the action
removed maybe using a string or something else as a guide so that they just
shut off and leave it at that.  I would certainly explain the situation in
advance however to cover your own butt.  As you said, they were never
correct to begin with however, if she likes that touch and feel, we adjust
accordingly.  

Jer Groot RPT 

-----Original Message----- 
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Don 
Sent: Saturday, January 09, 2010 5:37 PM 
To: pianotech at ptg.org 
Subject: [pianotech] In a quandry 

Hi all, 

I have an impecunious client who has a Kimball 5'8" from the Bosendorfer 
years. 

The bass strings are, after all this time, starting to sing all by
themselves. 

The action is a Schwander type with spoons. The spoons are resting directly 
on the backs of the keys--so when the action is removed the singing stops. 

The client is used to the damper timing being horribly wrong and "loves how 
the keys follow her fingers" on release. 

My question is how to preserve this situation while adjusting the damper 
timing enough for the singing to stop. 

My guess is that if I correct the timing to 1/2 through the stroke the 
client will be mighty upset with me. 

Do I try to explain that it has most likely been "wrong" from day one? 

She is not a regular client of mine, so there will be no opportunity to 
build a trusting relationship. 

She is retired and on an extremely limited budget. 
Regards, 
Don Rose, B.Mus., A.M.U.S., A.MUS., R.P.T. 
Non calor sed umor est qui nobis incommodat 

mailto:pianotuna at yahoo.com      http://www.donrose.ca/ 

3004 Grant Rd. REGINA, SK, S4S 5G7 
306-539-0716 



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