<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=US-ASCII"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10 (filtered)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=blue id="role_body" bottomMargin=7 leftmargin=7 topmargin=7 rightMargin=7> <div class=Section1> My typical method is using the inserted punching (.030) and set dip until the jack just escapes with light pressure in the piano.  Then I measure to see what the dip is.  If it’s too shallow or too deep I adjust the blow (within reason) until the dip regulates where I want it—(10 mm is my dip of choice).  I’ll go to .040 aftertouch if I have to for a compromise but I prefer .030.  I do that after all other regulation is done (except backchecks).   I find I need to do this at eye level at the keybed.  All other methods are simply roughing it in.  I’ve tried the other methods you mentioned but none are precise enough.  I would like to have a method of transferring the set up on the keybed to the bench so that the dip is precisely duplicated.  But like Ed mentioned, this may be a pipe dream.  I’ve tried various methods of rebedding the keyframe on the bench but none quite do the trick.  Some get close but I still have to check it in the piano.  I was hoping I was missing some foolproof method however I think that inherent differences in the keybed level and the bench will always produce different results.  I’m hoping to be proven wrong.    <div> David Love davidlovepianos@comcast.net www.davidlovepianos.com </div> -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Erwinspiano@aol.com Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2007 7:08 AM To: pianotech@ptg.org Subject: Re: Setting Dip on the Bench   <div> <div>   David </div> <div>     I'll get to the bench reg part but first This thread brings up the question where & one measures dip & with what does one use to do this. A dip block, a ruler? As long as I've done this work I've used a simple distance gauge that fits under the key. It's .375 in diameter.  It's a small piece of steel with a thin handle brazed to it. PIcs below . The cut out in the face of it fits right up into & against the pin. </div> <div>    <img width=480 height=360 id=MA1.1184249266 src="cid:image001.jpg@01C7C46A.35365880" vspace=5 style='height:360px;width:480px' comp_state=speed DATASIZE=44060><img width=480 height=360 id=MA2.1184249266 src="cid:image002.jpg@01C7C46A.35365880" vspace=5 style='height:360px;width:480px' comp_state=speed DATASIZE=40909> </div> <div>  My Dad made it 40 years ago. </div> <div>   It's easy to use,visual & quick. Just Insert the jig & if the dip is shallow, the key rises, indicating the need to remove punchings....again visual...quick.  If dip is deep...tap tap. The need to add punchings.  I don't sit at eye level to do this even at the piano. </div> <div>   Also the sharps...always a sticky wicket.  Again insert it under the white keys & see what's happening then correct it. The width of the gauge allows easy access between the white key pins to access the key pins to the sharps </div> <div>   Being a dip priority regulator I've always like to stay a bout a .390 dip.  SO I place gauge  under the key & tap the top of the key with my finger then  listen & feel for a slight .015 gap.  Or a single wrap of masking tape around the circumference of the gauge makes it zzzzactly.390. In that case the gauge should just slide in with no key rise or no tapping sound. </div> <div>    For the bench part Eds suggestion of duplicating the keybed environment is good & possible to get close. My non -rookie shop helper Keith Roberts came up with a slick way to get very close on the bench. (been the re to long to be a rookie any more..darn) </div> <div>   HE/we uses the gauge to set dip on all the C notes sitting at the piano.  We then place the action on the reg bench & remove the stack. The keys fall down & rest on the punchings  Then we the use a straight edge set between our test notes. Using our test notes we remove or add punchings till he/we  a fairly straight line between test notes.  It's quick easy & any shop rookie can get very close. Then reinstall the action stack & keys in the piano & tweak further until it's dialed.   At this point I use the after touch feel I like.  Meaning it's just a tactile sense from years of doing this.  Or place a card of .040 or .050 on top of the front punching & then depress the key. If the dip/aftertouoch is right the jack should just begin to escape. </div> <div>   Make sense?.....yes..no? </div> <div>   Dale </div> <blockquote style='border:none;border-left:solid blue 1.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 4.0pt; margin-left:3.75pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'> Does anyone have a reliable method of setting key dip (grand) on the bench so that it remains accurate when the action is moved back to the piano?  I'd sure love to retire from sitting down at eye level to the key bed.  David Love davidlovepianos@comcast.net www.davidlovepianos.com </blockquote> </div> <div>   </div> <div>   </div> <div> Dale Erwin--Piano Restorations 4721 Parker rd Modesto, Ca. 95357 Shop 209-577-8397 Web site <a href="http://www.erwinspiano.com/">http://www.Erwinspiano.com</a> Restoration & Sales of Steinway & Sons & other fine pianos. " Soundboards by Design" </div> <div> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center> </div> Get a sneak peak of the all-new <a href="http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour/?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000982" target="_blank" title="http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour/?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000982">AOL.com</a>. </div> </div> </body> </html>