<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" = xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" = xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" = xmlns:st1="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" = xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; = charset=US-ASCII"> <meta name=ProgId content=Word.Document> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10"> <meta name=Originator content="Microsoft Word 10"> <link rel=File-List href="cid:filelist.xml@01C4CE09.8C424F80"> <o:SmartTagType = namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"/> <o:SmartTagType = namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"/> <o:SmartTagType = namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PersonName"/>  <style>  </style>  </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple = style='tab-interval:.5in' id="role_body" bottomMargin=7 leftmargin=7 topmargin=7 rightMargin=7> <div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial = id="role_document"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>If you cut your = own damper felt, Renner </span></font><st1:country-region><st1:place><font = size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:navy'>USA</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><font = size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:navy'> sells bi-chord strips that are designed to fit between the thickest <span class=SpellE>bichords</span> as well as the thinner = ones. <span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span = style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <div> <p><font size=2 color=navy face="Times New Roman"><span = style='font-size:10.0pt; color:navy;mso-no-proof:yes'>David Love<br> </span></font><st1:PersonName><font size=2 color=navy><span = style='font-size: = 10.0pt;color:navy;mso-no-proof:yes'>davidlovepianos@comcast.net</span></f= ont></st1:PersonName><font size=2 color=navy><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;color:navy;mso-no-proof:yes'> = </span></font><o:p></o:p></p> </div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 = face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>-----Original = Message-----<br> <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>From:</span></b> = pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] <b><span = style='font-weight:bold'>On Behalf Of </span></b></span></font><st1:PersonName><font size=2 = face=Tahoma><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>Erwinspiano@aol.com</span><= /font></st1:PersonName><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'><br> <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Friday, November = 19, 2004 6:54 AM<br> <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> pianotech@ptg.org; = </span></font><st1:PersonName><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>Bruce.Stevens@verizon.net</= span></font></st1:PersonName><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'><br> <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Re: Steinway = Damper sytem upgrade</span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>In a message dated 11/19/2004 6:53:04 AM Pacific Standard Time, Erwinspiano = writes:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </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'> <div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>In a message dated 11/19/2004 6:47:04 AM Pacific Standard Time, Erwinspiano = writes:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </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'> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  Damperfiles</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></spa= n></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>   I just finished up the upgraded S&S grand damper  system & = it works slick. I can set the individual key lift as precisely as I wish = & then dial in the tray lift without the usual futzing with paper & such. Damper pedal lift is readily touch-up-able which is = really cool & you can dial in a perfect  lift in minutes after the dampers = seat. </span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  &nbs= p; Also I matched the original leading pattern & recycled the felt = spring blocks & remounted them to the new lever in the original = location in the old springs on the underlevers. This moves the spring back = & prevents it from hitting the bottom of the upstop which the new spring slots approach interference</span></font><font size=2 color=black = face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></spa= n></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>    I was having a bit trouble with nice clean damping shut off in the bi-chords. I typically use the Tokiwa damper sets which I like but even = with wide bichord agraffes in the lowest 4 bichord notes I had too much ring = thru & not enough felt penetration of the tip of the felt into the string = pair.</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> To remdy this I pulled the bichord heads all out & = pinched the nose of the felt to slip thru the strings a bit more <strong><b><u><font face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'>& = voile.</span></font></u></b></strong><strong><b><font face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'> Clean sounding shut = off.</span></font></b></strong> I got to wondering if some of you are using the same felt. I think the = French felt Loreux might have a finer profile on the tip. </span></font><font = size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  It also great to be able to precisely set the upstop for one = position</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  &nbs= p; Any way Skinned a new cat. Hope that''s OK with the = dog</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>   Thanksgiving blessings on you all</span></font><font size=2 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></spa= n></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>   Dale</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </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'> <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'> <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'> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p= ></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=4 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>   </span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> </blockquote> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=4 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>   List</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </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'> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>I've been modifying many of  old Steinway damper systems with a variety = of features which greatly improves its functionability & adjustability. Many of these ideas are not my own but have = found them useful just the same.<strong><b><font face=Arial><span = style='font-family:Arial'>grin.</span></font></b></strong> I've been installing the new Renner Back actions fairly routinely which = gives a more effective sostenuto usage with the spring loaded tabs & also = the fact that individual parts can be taken off for service if necessary without disassembling the whole dang damper action I.E. to reglue some = flanges that have come unglued or repin a part or = two.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  &nbs= p;Along with  this I've also found that a few other modifications = which are not difficult to execute also increase = performance.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> ! Installing the tray center pivot pin so it is in line with the = underlever centers. This requires modifying or making a new pivot block for at = least one end.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  Result. 1.This eliminates the disparity of function in the upstop = adjustment. Meaning an upstop adjustment is made which is equally good for pedal = lift as is it is for individual key lift.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  2. the heavy pedal syndrome is made more normal by reducing weight & = friction felt on the pedal & eliminates much of the damper thumping on the = strings by less experienced players<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  3. Eliminates the severe dipping of the underlevers when the tray is out = of adjustment that digs out the key lift felt with extra friction caused by = the out of adjustment.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  4. removing wooden or brass pedal pitmans that (always) squeak. This requires drilling an enlarged hole thru the keybed 3/4" or so = & installing a wooden dowel with 3/4" front punchings glued to each end & a balance rail pin installed and protruding 3/16  = inch out of the dowel. The tray & pedal lever are drilled to accommodate = the felt & pin   The result is a totally quiet squeak-free = movement</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> </blockquote> <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'> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> 5. Install a new set of Modern adjustable pedal rods. What a blessing. See pianotek<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> 6. Install a capstan as a sustain pedal lever travel limiter on the = bottom of the keybed. This removes the archaic block of felt method formerly = employed on all Stwy pianos, & others of course & allows for a precise = amount of damper lift& lever travel. A nice feature which keeps the = underlevers from slamming into the upstop felt creating those annoying dents which = reduce function.</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></spa= n></font></p> </div> </blockquote> <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'> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> 7.  </span></font><font color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-family:Arial; color:black'>relocate tray return springs. In these pianos either a leaf = spring type was used in the top treble end of the tray or in later models = a coil spring was applied  on the bass end of the tray causing the = tray to warp.</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> </blockquote> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  &nbs= p;</span></font><font color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-family:Arial;color:black'>The new springs are fit between the lever sections. One is mounted close to the = pitman which is where it needs to be to keep the tray from being twisted during lift,resulting in a strange array of damper lift setting problems = & eventual tray warpage. Some systems require another mounted between bass = and tenor sections.</span></font><font size=2 color=black = face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></spa= n></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> 8. The last thing which is new to me came about because of a conversation = with David Love about this. Del had done a tray for him this way & I'd = heard about others doing this so...</span></font><font size=2 color=black = face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></spa= n></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  &nbs= p; I mounted small11/32inch long capstans under each underlever. This = allows for a very precise & perfect damper lift without all the usual futzing and straining to move a lever in the flange just the tiniest fraction of a mm/or inch for standard folks.</span></font><font size=2 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></spa= n></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  The lip of the tray needs to be thinned by about 3 mm to allow for = capstan head clearance. A quick pass on the table saw does this in a second. = </span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  Drill the appropriate size hole for the capstan shank & press = with arbor press or Tap in carefully with a hammer with the tray supported = really well</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>8. Installing the extra wide bichord agraffes from Pianotek on the lowest 4 bichords increase the ability of the bichord felt to get between the = large bichord bass strings which really improves = damping.</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> 9 On many pianos, especially longer ones I also find improved damping by = using four equally cut pieces of damper felt in the mono- chord section & = on the first 2 to 4 bichord notes. This is especially helpful on longer strings = & also on smaller  pianos on which I have had all my mono chords = double wrapped by the string maker.</span></font><font size=2 color=black = face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></spa= n></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  = </span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p= ></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  An Addendum.</span></font><font size=2 color=black = face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></spa= n></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>   Some later stwys , 1950 ish & later came <strong><b><u><font = face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'>without return = springs</span></font></u></b></strong>. I've learned this the hard way, ( of course), that these need springs especially in the bass. This is my humble opinion based on failure to = damp experience, even with proper fitted guide rail bushings & nicely fit = wires, head lift etc.</span></font><font size=2 color=black = face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></spa= n></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  These upgraded systems are a huge improvement over the original = equipment setup IMHO and are not difficult to do. It does increase labor time but it's = worth it</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  Hope this is food for thought and comment.</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>  Dale Erwin</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><o:p></o:p></spa= n></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p= ></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p= ></span></font></p> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 = color=black face=Arial FAMILY=SANSSERIF PTSIZE=10><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family: Arial;color:black'>Erwins Pianos Restorations <br> 4721 Parker Rd.<br> Modesto, Ca 95357<br> 209-577-8397<br> Rebuilt Steinway , Mason &Hamlin Sales<br> www.Erwinspiano.com<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p= ></span></font></p> </div> </blockquote> </div> <div> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 = color=black face=Arial><span = style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <o:p></o:p= ></span></font></p> </div> </div> </body> </html>