<!doctype html public "-//W3C//DTD W3 HTML//EN"> <html><head><style type="text/css"></style><title>Re: Mute Rails</title></head><body> <blockquote type="cite" cite><font face="Arial" size="-1">A customer wishes a mute rail installed. I've done the standard "rinky-tink" type that Schaff stocks. Anyone have experience with the type Pianotek sells? It attaches to 2 tuning pins.</font></blockquote> <blockquote type="cite" cite><font face="Arial" size="-1">Philip Jamison Pianos</font></blockquote> <blockquote type="cite" cite><font face="Arial" size="-1">West Chester, PA</font></blockquote> <div><br></div> <div>Philip, List,</div> <div><br></div> <div>I have had excellent results customizing my own out of 1/2" aluminum stock (hardware store), thin white muting felt (piano supply house) and an automobile choke cable kit (need I say where to purchase  :-).</div> <div><br></div> <div>Since each piano requires its own configuration, certain action and inner case measurements must be taken. After that, a little bending (vise & hammer), cutting (hacksaw) and gluing the felt to the rail, you can position the finished product in the most ideal location (very close to the strings when down, & clearing the hammers when up).</div> <div><br></div> <div>Then by drilling two holes to mount the aluminum rail on the sides of the piano cabinet with screws and shims (sometimes needed), you will achieve great muting capabilities and hardly notice it at all when it comes to touch.</div> <div><br></div> <div>About the only side effects are the felt will sometimes brush up against the neighbor notes (in the down position) producing a very minor inharmony (it's actually an endearing sound to my ears). But hey, what the heck, I'll guarantee you'll never try the commercial products again once you have success in making your own.</div> <div><br></div> <div>If you're not up for the task of creation, the one that mounts on 2 tuning pinsz will work.</div> <div><br></div> <div>Sincerely,</div> <div><br></div> <div>Keith McGavern<br> Registered Piano Technician<br> Oklahoma Chapter 731<br> Piano Technicians Guild</div> <div>USA</div> <div><br></div> </body> </html>