turbo-guru speaks

[Mark Cramer]

Lloyd Meyer has kindly referred me to Chris Robinson,RPT for further info on
working with the turbo wippens.  Here FYI are some highlights of the
conversation:

"CHRISTOPER ROBINSON," on working with the Renner turbo-wippen;

"pre-adjust support springs (prior to installation) to balance off the
weight of the wippen."

"leave one lead less than you expect to end up with in each key, (consider
traditional leading patterns), ie:
remove all but two leads in C4 knowing you will likely need a third to
trim."

"Remove lead starting from the balance rail, forward."

"Calibrate the springs (wippens installed) using approximately 5 grams more
than spec, per section, ie:
at C4 the DW ideal may be 49 grams, calibrate the assist spring using 54
grams (DW).

"Calibrate the spring at the coil, increasing or decreasing the distance
between the long arm and short tang as necessary."

"Make a long slender tool with a slotted end.  For general weakening, use
this tool to push the long arm of the spring back into the slot, then
release and test.  Further weakening (and/or strengthening) will require
un-hooking the loop, and a second (spring-lifting, etc.) tool to engage the
short tang."

"Trim the final 5 grams using the "spare" lead from each key.  This is much
simpler than attempting to "fine-tune" the spring."

"(Re)-position your trim lead atop the key until final DW is achieved.  Mark
the key for lead placement.  There should be several(lots of) empty holes to
choose from!"

 Many thanks to Lloyd Meyer and Renner USA for providing us access to
experts such as Chris Robinson!

Mark Cramer, RPT
Brandon University







-----Original Message-----
From: Lloyd Meyer [mailto:renner@rennerusa.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2000 3:54 PM
To: Mark Cramer
Subject: Re: turbo wippens


Mark,

I really appreciate all of the excellent information you are providing.  On
the Turbo wips, call Chris Robinson.  Tell him I asked you to.  He worked
with us in the development of this product, wrote the manual for it and is
very knowledgeable in this area.  Understands action geometry as few
technicians do.  His number is: 860-243-2343  His fax number is:
860-243-2148

Best regards,
Lloyd
Renner USA


---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: Mark Cramer <cramer@BrandonU.CA>
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 10:17:39 -0500

>Lloyd,
>I need clarity on how (exactly) to adjust spring tension on the turbo
>wippens (in place).  I'm not that comfortable with placing a bend (kink) in
>the spring.
>
>Thanks (in advance) for providing access to one of the "Renner Team."
>
>Mark Cramer,RPT
>Brandon University
>
>
>BTW, for your interest; excerpted from an e-discussion with Mark Bolsius:
>
>...,  "this is perhaps a "text-book" perfect example of what these wippens
>are intended for.  The piano is a 1963 "B", definitive of the "accelerated
>action" paradigm of the day.  ie: well into the tenor there are (typically)
>"SIX" factory installed, full-sized leads in each key, with the furthest
>being placed very close to the balance rail.
>
>The symptoms are typical as well, as the piano plays like a garden tractor,
>but weighs off right to spec!? A previous technician replaced the original
>"mallets" with Renner blues, perhaps in hope of shedding some lead, but no
>cigar.
>
>With geometry problems (as you suggested) this far out, the turbo-wips
>really are a welcome solution.  In my evaluations, I was able to remove 4
>leads @ C4, get 49D/22U, and actually weaken the assist spring (from
factory
>setting) substantially in the process.
>
>The difference (in a single note sample) was amazing, especially when you
>consider the final weigh-off specs were within a gram or two of the
>originals!"
>
>
>
>