[pianotech] Replacing dampers on a Steinway Upright

[Encore Pianos]

You are welcome, Joe.  I measured the renner bass dampers yesterday - 57 mm
long.  Adequate for any 52 incher.  The length of the first 2 or 3 tenor
dampers is governed by the bass strings at the bottom and the need to clear
the hammer at the top.  I also think that wooden blocks are in the tenor
section as they add a bit of mass, which aids in damping.  If memory serves
me, you can get brass barrels from Pianoforte supply, but they are
expensive.

 

Will

 

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Joe DeFazio
Sent: Friday, February 11, 2011 1:13 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Replacing dampers on a Steinway Upright

 

Thanks to Will Truitt for the reply (quotes below are from Will).  I really
liked the following:

 

Some of this is trial and error for me, without hard and fast rules other
than steal from the best. 

 

I guess that about sums up what I have been attempting.  I do appreciate
your answer, and it confirmed a few things for me, which is helpful.  I tend
to forget to "steal from the best" when I have them in front of me in the
field (I had a well-damping Yamaha upright action out earlier this week, and
I forgot, once again, to take measurements and notes).  I guess there's
always next time....

 

As for bass dampers:

 

I do like 3 short pieces over 2 long ones, because the smaller pieces can
conform to the string more readily than a longer one, thus shutting off more
quickly.

 

This conforms to my experience as well.  I do like the European 3 piece bass
dampers;  I think they are a real improvement.  So, if anyone reading this
hasn't tried them yet, go for it!  Jurgen sells nice bass dampers.

 

What Will described in the tenor is more or less what I have been doing.  If
anyone else has a perspective especially on the optimal length and
configuration of tenor dampers, it would be great to hear about your
experiences and opinions.  

 

Thanks,

 

Joe DeFazio

Pittsburgh

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