<div>Hello Dean,</div> <div> </div> <div>Here's an attempt to clarify what I was saying.</div> <div> </div> <div>The Spurlock tool is excellent for setting the shanks in a straight line, whether level or sloped due to the end samples. If the string plane was parallel to that line, you could set the hammers to let off at an equal distance from the string without changing the line of the shanks. </div> <div> </div> <div>The problem is that there are varying string heights from section to section and even within each section. For example, A0 might have a string height of 7 7/8" and A#2 might have a height of 8" in a 26 note bass. The next note, B2 could be something like 7 5/8", and similarly throughout the scale.</div> <div> </div> <div>What this means is if the hammer boring has not taken the above into account or if it only comprises 2 measurements (bass and treble), the string height variations will force you to choose between having the shanks level, or having hammers rise until 1-2 mm from each string (which, remember, vary in height).</div> <div> </div> <div>If you set the end samples in each section, as you say, you will regulate very precisely and in a straight line. However, the absolute height of the highest string in the bass is different the that of the lowest in the tenor, or the low bass, or even the high treble, so you will set samples at all different heights (unless compensated thru hammer boring)</div> <div> </div> <div>Your blow distance will parallel what you set for let-off samples. Low bass, high bass, low tenor, treble etc. will vary in absolute height above the keybed. We generally set a straight hammerline between samples. Now if you use the Spurlock tool as you describe, the let-off line, for lack of a better term, will have a slope that is dependent on the relative postion of the end points, and is parallel to the hammerline. This is certainly acceptable, but the problem is that the end points are different in height from section to section, so the "start" and "stop' postion of the shanks will vary.</div> <div> </div> <div>The keys, on the other hand, are either level or with a very slight crown, and the key dip, if even, will certainly parallel the "key line", crowned or not. There is no sudden jump from one section to another, unlike the string height. So, on one hand, you have a very consistent "start" and "stop" postion for keys and a varying "start" and "stop" position for the hammer/shank assembly. This results in an inconsistent aftertouch, which you then have to correct either by pulling front rail punchings or monkeying with the blow distance or let-off- which you have already set!</div> <div> </div> <div>I visualize 4 straight level lines: the key height, key dip, hammer height ( instead of "blow distance" ) and let-off ,all from note 1-88.This procedure keeps me from altering 1 or more of these parameters to make up for errors in the other ones. Of course, any inconsistencies in leverages will give you inconsistent aftertouch as well, which you can even out</div> <div> through raising or lowering the capstan, pulling punchings, etc.</div> <div> </div> <div>The advantages of this method are as stated above. The main disadvantage, as I see it, is that hammers will be letting off at the same point, instead of a nominal distance from the differing strings, so the hammer will not be under the players' control as long on some notes as on others. This may be noticeable, but probably only on soft playing, since let off really controls soft playing because of action saturation. I personally feel that the shanks(and therefore the knuckles) should be at the same height at let-off, since friction can change through additional rotation of the knuckle.</div> <div> </div> <div>All this is clearly debatable, as is the notion that the key dip, etc, should be identical from notes1-88. This is my preferred method at present, and I don't really know from a practical point of view whether or not it is that important overall.</div> <div> </div> <div>Sorry about the length of this e-mail, hope this is a little more clear than the last one.</div> <div> </div> <div>Scott Nelson, RPT</div> <div> </div> <div><BR><BR><B><I>Dean May <deanmay@pianorebuilders.com></I></B> wrote:</div> <BLOCKQUOTE class=replbq style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #1010ff 2px solid"> <META content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered medium)" name=Generator> <STYLE> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </STYLE> <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:SmartTagType name="PostalCode" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:SmartTagType><o:SmartTagType name="State" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:SmartTagType><o:SmartTagType name="City" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:SmartTagType><o:SmartTagType name="place" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:SmartTagType><o:SmartTagType name="PersonName" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:SmartTagType> <STYLE> st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } </STYLE> <STYLE>  </STYLE> <DIV class=Section1> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Let me preface my comments with a confession: I am not the grand regulation expert on this list. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">I’m not sure what you are saying here, Scott. It seems to me that the Spurlock tool is excellent particularly when there is varying string slopes and heights. Set the blow distance on the section end hammers, along with let off, then the height on the hammers in between. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Assuming the strings on that section are in some sort of plane, then the blow distance on each hammer should be good. Use the Spurlock tool to set let off and drop. Repeat the process for each section. This should make the blow distance the same for each note regardless of section slope, along with let off. If blow distance and let off are the same, key dip should be right there, with some latitude for after touch. Of course there are some other factors that come into play, but I don’t see how using this method will result in differing key dips when there is string slope. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></div> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">If you vary the bore distances I still don’t think it will matter when it comes to key dip. What matters are how much the hammer travels, how close it gets to the string, and how much after touch you build in. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div> <DIV> <div class=MsoAutoSig><B><FONT face="Bradley Hand ITC" color=navy size=6><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 22pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bradley Hand ITC'">Dean</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT color=navy><SPAN style="COLOR: navy"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div> <div class=MsoAutoSig style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = u1 /><u1:PersonName u2:st="on"><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:PersonName w:st="on"><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=navy size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: navy">Dean May</SPAN></FONT></st1:PersonName><FONT color=navy><SPAN style="COLOR: navy"></u1:PersonName>             cell 812.239.3359 <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div> <div class=MsoAutoSig style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=navy size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: navy">PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272 <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div> <div class=MsoAutoSig style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><u1:place u2:st="on"><u1:City u2:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=navy size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: navy">Terre Haute</SPAN></FONT></st1:City></st1:place><FONT color=navy><SPAN style="COLOR: navy"></u1:City> <u1:State u2:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">IN</u1:State></st1:State>  <u1:PostalCode u2:st="on"><st1:PostalCode w:st="on">47802</u1:PostalCode></st1:PostalCode></SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></div></DIV> <DIV> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <HR tabIndex=-1 align=center width="100%" SIZE=2> </SPAN></FONT></DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">From:</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"> pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] <B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">On Behalf Of </SPAN></B>Scott Nelson<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sent:</SPAN></B> Friday, June 22, 2007 8:56 AM<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">To:</SPAN></B> <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Pianotech List</st1:PersonName><BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Subject:</SPAN></B> RE: Keep on filing...</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></div></DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></div> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Hi everyone,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">The Spurlock tool for let-off is terrific for checking your consistency from note to note, but normally there is a drawback to its use. Because of the varying string height levels, there is often a considerable discontinuity between sections (such as between notes 26 and 27 at the break) . The Spurlock tool will align all the shanks in a straight but often sloped line(depending on the relative heights of the shanks) between the end points of each section.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">If the hammer bore compensates for the varying string height across the piano, all the shanks can be level (identical rotation) and the distance of the hammer from the string <BR>can be the same. Unfortunately, most manufacturers instruments are bored with only 2 specs: bass and treble, so under these circumstances it is necessary either to have the shanks not level, or to set them level and vary the distance of the hammers from the string during let-off.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">I have been experimenting with a full-length jig across all 88 shanks that is based on the Spurlock jig. I set the let-off as close as is practical to the lowest 2 strings (that is, in height) and then adjust the jig to where it just clicks as the jack brushes the knuckle. The other shanks are then set to where they just click as well, a la Spurlock. It is amazing how consistent you can set the escapement-almost imperceptible movements of the let-off dowel will change the clicking quite visibly and audibly.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">This procedure, of course, leaves the letoff distance from the string rather far on many notes where the string height is higher than the samples. ( I also set the "hammer blow distance " <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">to vary as well so the start point is level, again, the hammer shanks ). I suppose the question is, barring a compensated hammer boring, whether this procedure will result in a more consistent touch, especially at pianissimo, although you are giving up the idea of " the <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">hammer as close to the string as possible" idea. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">It is interesting also to observe what happens if you if you first set the let-off so the hammer is an equal distance from each string as well as the blow distance. When you then check with the jig, you will clearly see that your letoff and blow distance lines follow the string height variances.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Incidentally, if you set your blow distance samples and then use the stretcher or a straightedge to set the rest, following which you were to set the let-off an equal distance from the strings, your aftertouch would vary unless the string heights were all equal, and you would have to compromise key dip and/or height to make it consistent. This is the main reason I have been trying this method lately. It is hard to judge whether or not this way is more consistent, but so far the comments about the piannissimo touch have been very positive.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">I would be interested in any of your comments regarding this matter.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Thanks, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Scott Nelson, RPT<BR><st1:PersonName w:st="on"><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic">Dean May</SPAN></I></B></st1:PersonName><B><I><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic"> <deanmay@pianorebuilders.com></SPAN></I></B> wrote:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN-TOP: 5pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN-LEFT: 3.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #1010ff 1.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">I would also heartily recommend you purchase this tool from Spurlock: <A href="http://www.spurlocktools.com/id24.htm">http://www.spurlocktools.com/id24.htm</A>  <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">I love it. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Stop relying on your eyesight to set all let-offs and drops. Just set each section end hammer in the piano.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">To set the let off on the section ends I use a mute wire with a 90 degree bend about 3/8 in from the end. The wire is slightly more than 1 mm thick. If the wire is too thin, flatten it with a hammer to make it as thick as you want the let off.  Hold the bent end under the strike point of the strings and bring the hammer up to the wire. Raise the let off button until the hammer touches your wire right at the let off point. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Then pull action, set it on the table, and use this tool to perfectly set the rest. The instructions say to use it to set the let off. I also use it for the drop. After setting the let off, just turn the drop screw up while holding the key down. When the hammer comes off the rail turn the screw down just a little past the hammer coming back onto the rail. Like Andrew, I like the drop right at the let off.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Did I mention that I love the Spurlock tool (as with every Spurlock tool I’ve purchased)?<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <DIV style="MARGIN-TOP: 5pt; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5pt"> <div class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face="Bradley Hand ITC" color=navy size=6><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 22pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: 'Bradley Hand ITC'">Dean</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT color=navy><SPAN style="COLOR: navy"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV><?xml:namespace prefix = u2 /><u2:PersonName u3:st="on"> <div class=MsoNormal><?xml:namespace prefix = u4 /><u4:PersonName u5:st="on"><st1:PersonName w:st="on"><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=navy size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: navy">Dean May</SPAN></FONT></st1:PersonName><FONT color=navy><SPAN style="COLOR: navy"></u4:PersonName></u2:PersonName>             cell 812.239.3359 <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=navy size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: navy">PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272 <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV><u2:place u3:st="on"><u2:City u3:st="on"> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = ns0 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><ns0:place w:endInsDate="2007-06-23T10:15:00Z" w:endInsAuthor="HP Authorized Customer" w:insDate="2007-06-23T10:15:00Z" w:insAuthor="HP Authorized Customer"><ns0:City w:endInsDate="2007-06-23T10:15:00Z" w:endInsAuthor="HP Authorized Customer" w:insDate="2007-06-23T10:15:00Z" w:insAuthor="HP Authorized Customer"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><FONT color=navy><SPAN style="COLOR: navy">Terre Haute</SPAN></FONT></st1:City></st1:place></ns0:City></u2:City></ns0:place><FONT color=navy><SPAN style="COLOR: navy"> </SPAN></FONT><ns0:State w:endInsDate="2007-06-23T10:15:00Z" w:endInsAuthor="HP Authorized Customer" w:insDate="2007-06-23T10:15:00Z" w:insAuthor="HP Authorized Customer"><u2:State u3:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on"><FONT color=navy><SPAN style="COLOR: navy">IN</u2:State></SPAN></FONT></st1:State></ns0:State><FONT color=navy><SPAN style="COLOR: navy">  <u2:PostalCode u3:st="on"></SPAN></FONT><ns0:PostalCode w:endInsDate="2007-06-23T10:15:00Z" w:endInsAuthor="HP Authorized Customer" w:insDate="2007-06-23T10:15:00Z" w:insAuthor="HP Authorized Customer"><st1:PostalCode w:st="on"><FONT color=navy><SPAN style="COLOR: navy">47802</u2:PostalCode></SPAN></FONT></st1:PostalCode></ns0:PostalCode><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV></DIV> <DIV> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <HR tabIndex=-1 align=center width="100%" SIZE=2> </SPAN></FONT></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">From:</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"> pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] <B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">On Behalf Of </SPAN></B>Andrew and Rebeca Anderson<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sent:</SPAN></B> Wednesday, June 20, 2007 10:54 AM<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">To:</SPAN></B> <ns0:PersonName w:endInsDate="2007-06-23T10:15:00Z" w:endInsAuthor="HP Authorized Customer" w:insDate="2007-06-23T10:15:00Z" w:insAuthor="HP Authorized Customer"><st1:PersonName w:st="on">Pianotech List</st1:PersonName></ns0:PersonName><BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Subject:</SPAN></B> Re: Keep on filing...</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></div></DIV></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Danilo,<BR>With the repetition at rest and the hammers rotated up and out of the way, the jack top should be below the yoke of the balancier.  Ideally not much below.  This is necessary lost motion in order to permit the jack to re-set.  You can check by using a card and dragging it over the yoke.  If the card catches on the jack, the jack is too high.<BR>A Steinway regulation method to check this when the hammer is resting on the repetitions is to press the jack tender down, let go and the jack should reset winking the hammer a little.  If the hammer doesn't wink, you have more lost motion then necessary.  If the jack cannot reset consistently, you don't have enough.<BR><BR>I like to regulate drop close to the strings and I like to have drop and let-off coincide.  This does make the instruments more weather sensitive as a 1 - 1.5 mil drop is not much where humidity related wood movement is concerned.  Of-course the instruments that get that kind of regulation are usually climate controlled here.<BR><BR>This requires a definite but slow rise of the hammer with the repetition spring.  Springs are not easy to get just so and you will have to develop the skill of setting them by repeated effort until you start getting the result you want.  You want to be able to avoid bubbling/double-striking which occurs when balancier pinning is too loose and or when the spring is too strong.<BR><BR>It is important to note that many action adjustments are interactive with other adjustments.  That is, when you change one, the other is thrown out.  On a new piano or when an action is worn, I will go through several times adjusting and readjusting as things get closer to ideal.  You may want to obtain an action regulation book that takes you through the steps in order of greatest efficiency.  Yamaha sells a video from their website on action adjustments.  I recommend it.  There are some differences in approach between instruments, Steinway follows a slightly different procedure for example, but the overall illustration is worth becoming familiar with visually.<BR><BR>Andrew Anderson, Artisan Piano<BR><BR>At 08:12 AM 6/20/2007, you wrote:<BR><BR><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <DIV style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt"> <div class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Thanks, Tony, I enjoyed this mail!<BR></SPAN></FONT><BR><FONT size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">I use this Steinway O to give concerts in this church. A few years back I had a tuner tune it. When he was finished, I asked him "So, any problems? -No. Loose pins? -No. False beats? -No Action issues? -No." I was quite baffled. I even tried to convince him that something must be improvable by playing a bit and asking "Is this or that really supposed to be like this, ideally? -Yes, it's fine." Then he added "Just avoid the sun, it makes it go out of tune faster." Well, it gave me another reason to teach myself. On the opposite end, I gave a recital in a church on a 70's Steinway B, which the organist had hired someone to renovate for ca $15000. The members of his constitution were forever complaining "Did you really have to spend so much money?" He asked me to help him out by taking every opportunity to praise the instrument. Which I dutifully did. "The best piano I've ever played on, it's as good as a brand new one, and they cost bla bla, it's amazing what value you can get from such a perfect restoration!" It was easy, as I was speaking the truth...<BR></SPAN></FONT><BR><FONT size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">About the position of the jack, you wrote<BR>"..the repetition regulating screw at the hammer end of the repetition lever requires adjusting to allow the top of the jack to be just below the top of the repetition lever."<BR>I thought it was suppposed to be just above the top of the repetition lever? And I've adjusted it that way. Please be so kind as to confirm this! Or do you mean the position of the jack at the moment the hammer is released from check and lifted up by the repetion lever?<BR></SPAN></FONT><BR><FONT size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">"Your drop screw may be too low stopping the repetition lever going up high enough"<BR>I've set it to make the drop about a mm or so, relying on my eyesight.<BR>You've given me some new things to look out for, so next time I get to the instrument, I'll check everything carefully: I'll try to add some weight to the hammer shank (someone wrote somewhere about wrapping a bit of solderingmetal around the shank?) and carefully observe the relative positions of the jack/repetitionlever from rest to full depression of the key and back. Anything else I should think of?<BR></SPAN></FONT><BR><FONT size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Thanks! Danilo</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></div></DIV> <DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <HR align=center width="100%" SIZE=2> </SPAN></FONT></DIV> <DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Dags för jobbintervju? <A href="http://g.msn.com/8HMBSVSE/2755??PS=47575">Här får du bra tips</A> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></BLOCKQUOTE> <div class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></div></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE><BR></u2:place></u1:place>