[pianotech] Butt plates

[Joseph Garrett]

Wim and Marshall,
said: "Marshall.
 
You're confusing us with your terminology. A butt plate is found on Yamaha
and the Steinway you asked about. It's the little plate at the back of the
hammer butt. But when you talk about moving the jack to one side, you're
describing the hammer butt flange screw. Yes, you have to move the jack to
one side, but that is not all that difficult, unless the jack is loose. 
 
Wim
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Marshall Gisondi <pianotune05 at hotmail.com>
To: pianotech <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Fri, Feb 1, 2013 3:13 am
Subject: [pianotech] butt plates
 
 
Hi Everyone,
I went to tune an old old Lester upright yesterday, so tall I had to stand
up to try and work on it. It had butt plate screws. I found at least two
hammes so loose they were just blocking up the key when one would try and
play it. I've only had minimal exposure to thiis set up ,but wanted to know
do butt plate screws fee llike a tiny tiny bump when they are n ot
tightened, or is that something else I'm feeling? Also what type of screw
driver do you guys use? I have the typical regulating screw drivers that
came with the regulating kit when I left the school, the regulating tools
that came with that black canvas tool roll. I think Randy Potter provides
that with his course, but I could be incorrect. I just remember receiving
this from the school. Also how do you guys work around that long jack that
is in the way? When I stick the screwdriver in between the back checks I
can tap and feel the metal rail. However I'm having trouble getting on that
screw. So is there a s
pecial screw driver you might recommend? If the screw was missing all
together, there wouldn't be a little nub protruding correct? I do have this
small blade screwdriver with a long skinny schaff, but that doesn't seem to
get onto the screw either. the main trouble seems to be the jack that's in
the way, but my fingers are too big to get in between the other parts to
move that jack out of the way. I'm sure there is an easier way to tighten
these. I can hear the pin on the hammer butt hitting the metal as I sit in
down on the rail. Could the plate be missing as well? I'm unclear I think
as to what I need to be feeling. Thanks
Marshall"

I have a feeling you both are not describing things adequately. I do
suspect that Marshall has run up against a Brass Rail piano. If that is the
case, the plates are tightend from the back of the action w/a special
screwdriver called a Kimball screwdriver. (even that one is not very
efficient to do the job.)
Best,
Joe


Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I
http://gpianoworks.com/