[pianotech] Fwd: Steinert grand

[Joseph Giandalone]

I need to put in a word for Mark's method, as I've done this "just as a precaution" whenever I've had the opportunity to take one of these back actions out. (e.g. when replacing guide rail bushings and/or damper felts). They don't come loose afterwards, especially as, you understand, the self-threading, pan-head screws you put through the flanges don't even have to be screwed down tight. You've just drilled ONE hole through the flanges and the rail underneath them (one size bit), so the screws are threading through both pieces. Plus you've got all the old glue that was originally slopped on there, filling the gaps between flanges and holding everything in alignment. AND you've got well-aged wood that's not likely to shrink any further.

Any flanges that might already have popped loose, then lay some glue under them before putting in the screw.

If you saw any signs that the wood was brittle you'd probably want to replace the back action in a rebuilding, but in the situations I've been in with these old Steinways and Masons that hasn't been the case, and this is a quick and good fix to what might be an iffy situation if left alone.

Joseph


On Jan 31, 2013, at 9:55 PM, Joseph Garrett wrote:

> Ah, comeon Mark,
> The issue was/is the glue joint(s) are failing in the existing system. If
> that occurs, even with a screw inserted, the natural expansion and
> contraction of the wood flange and the rail will make the screw be loose.
> It's why, we are constantly tightening flange screws! The damper
> underlever(s) take a pretty good wallop with each key stroke, imo. Hence,
> the "wallops" are going to exacerbate the integrity of the glue joints,
> (which are becoming compromised), making the possibility of the next tech
> having to chase down a "buzz" caused by that screw and/or the underlever
> flange. 
> It almost strikes me that your are arguing just to get me to respond to
> what you already know.
> Joe
> 
> 
>> [Original Message]
>> From: Mark Schecter <mark at schecterpiano.com>
>> To: joegarrett at earthlink.net <joegarrett at earthlink.net>
>> Date: 1/31/2013 6:15:36 PM
>> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Fwd: Steinert grand
>> 
>> Ok, thanks, Joe. 
>> 
>> So back to the underlever, please enlighten me as to how a flange that is
> still glued and now is also screwed to the rail, is going to be able to
> decide to come loose? Seems like a screw alone is enough for any other
> flange in the action. How many glued and screwed flanges have you had come
> loose? 
>> 
>> ~Mark Schecter
>> 
>> On Jan 31, 2013, at 3:50 PM, "Joseph Garrett" <joegarrett at earthlink.net>
> wrote:
>> 
>>> There most certainly is!<G> Of course, that is a cumulative of 40 years
>>> experience, working on all the stuff most of the other techs wouldn't
> touch
>>> with a ten foot tuning hammer.<G> btw, I meant no ill will with my
>>> comment(s), just more enlightenment.
>>> Best,
>>> Joe
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> [Original Message]
>>>> From: Mark Schecter <mark at schecterpiano.com>
>>>> To: joegarrett at earthlink.net <joegarrett at earthlink.net>
>>>> Date: 1/31/2013 2:50:34 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Fwd: Steinert grand
>>>> 
>>>> So now we're not talking about a back action problem, it's my mind set.
>>> Nice transition, Joe. Have it your way. Not that there's any mind set
>>> involved on your side. 
>>>> 
>>>> ~Mark Schecter
>>>> 
>>>> On Jan 31, 2013, at 2:07 PM, "Joseph Garrett"
> <joegarrett at earthlink.net>
>>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>>> Of course, your mind-set will win out.<G>
>>>>> Regards,
>>>>> Joe
>>> 
>>> 
>