[pianotech] hammer return noise

[David Andersen]

I think Ilvey is stumbling toward the right idea; sounds like the jack  
is regulated just slightly too far back and is making that "pock"  
sound on return. Regulate spring tension (less), jack position(more  
toward the player), and jack height(teeny movement in the hammer when  
winked). Noise go away?
DA



On Feb 28, 2010, at 10:51 PM, David Ilvedson wrote:

> Try repositioning the jack under the knuckle, even if out of  
> regulation.   Make sure the rep height is right.   Any chance of  
> swapping out a new Renner S & F and and hanging the hammer on it?    
> I think Tokiwa knuckles can be hard.   Maybe just change one knuckle  
> with a Renner knuckle
>
> David Ilvedson, RPT
> Pacifica, CA  94044
>
> ----- Original message ----------------------------------------
> From: "Gene Nelson" <nelsong at intune88.com>
> To: pianotech at ptg.org
> Received: 2/28/2010 8:26:16 PM
> Subject: Re: [pianotech] hammer return noise
>
>
>> Cloth is new and keys are level, dip set, action fine regulated.
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Cy Shuster
>> To: pianotech at ptg.org
>> Sent: Sunday, February 28, 2010 8:07 PM
>> Subject: Re: [pianotech] hammer return noise
>
>
>> I agree with Zeno. Backrail cloth in good condition is not only  
>> important for noise,
>> but for key leveling, and hence good regulation.  Big win for small  
>> cost.
>
>
>> --Cy--
>
>
>> Cy Shuster, RPT
>> Albuquerque, NM
>> www.shusterpiano.com
>
>
>> On Feb 28, 2010, at 8:27 PM, Gene Nelson wrote:
>
>
>>   Having a difficult time reducing hammer return noise
>>   on a piano with new Tokiwa whips & shanks, new hammers,  key  
>> capstans,  back
>> checks, key pins and bushings, front and balance rail punchings,  
>> key buttons, and
>> key end felt.
>>   Key frame is properly bedded.
>>   Action is regulated.
>>   All action frame joints and screws are solid and tight.
>>   All action parts screws are tight.
>>   All centers are at optimal friction with no wobble.
>>   All hammer glue joints are solid.
>>   All whippen glue joints are solid.
>>   Hammer rest rail has new felt, is adjusted at correct height and  
>> nuts are tight.
>>   Key stop rail has new felt and is adjusted for minimal up key  
>> movement.
>>   I have checked the knuckles - the core is firm dense felt and a  
>> needle easily goes
>> in from the side. Buckskin is not too tight over cores.
>>   I have had minimal to zero results using my sugar coater on the  
>> knuckle buck skin.
>>   I can depress the key about 2mm, release it and give a slightly  
>> woody clunk upon
>> return.
>>   Noise is a bit louder when hammer falls after releasing from check.
>>   Happens on the bench and when secured in the action cavity.
>>   It is noticeable when playing especially in the upper treble  
>> section with lid closed
>> but the noise exists in the lower parts as well but not quite so  
>> noticeable when
>> playing.
>
>>   Any ideas would be helpful.
>>   At some point I should just give up and accept it as normal  
>> action noise?
>>   Thanks for your thoughts.
>>   Gene
>
>