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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Today I went to a Heintzman 186 Conservatory Grand for the
first time. I believe that the serial number, (which was written in invisible
ink), is 250807. The customer says that it is 31 years old. It is generally in
pretty good condition. I was called in because of a noise in the action. I
immediately diagnosed the problem as a loose fastener on the hammer rest rail.
I went to pull the action and could not get it out because the hammer flange
screws were hitting on the stretcher board. The stretcher board looks perfect
and is solid. I loosened the lyre fastening screws, just in case they might
have been too long and might be projecting through the key bed. The leg bolts
were not protruding and the unicorda was functioning normally. I backed off,
(raised), the bedding screws a lot, (I’d say at least three turns, but I
was not counting). I still could not get the action out. I was able to flex the
hammer flange rail and cause the key frame to give some. My assumption is that
the glide screws have been over-extended for a long period of time and the key
frame has been warped upwards and has taken on a set. I advised the customer to
allow the action to rest for a while, and perhaps the key frame will relax. I
told her to call me when the notes start double striking.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Did I miss anything? Is there something unusual about a
Heintzman which I am not aware of? Do you think my assumption might be correct?
If the action does not settle down, can you recommend a good method for getting
it out and back in? I can’t see reducing the dimension of the stretcher
as the correct answer. They had to get it in somehow. It’s entirely possible
that the action has seen no service in 31 years. Any suggestion is appreciated</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Thank you,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Glenn V.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Key Note Piano Service<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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