[CAUT] [Files] wippen recond. photos (Modified by Kent Swafford)

[Mark Cramer]

Last week I suggested steaming/bolstering wippen heels could add to our
service approach, when regulating a piano that isn't quite new, but not  
yet
ready for new parts.

I was thinking more along the lines of 5 - 10 year-old studio  
instruments,..
and not so much about a 1959 Heintzman semi-concert piano. (wippens  
that age
would normally have the heels recovered, at very least)

Nonetheless, the 59' Heintzman action was on the bench when the camera  
was
available, so have a look and decide for yourself.

Photo #22 shows the deeply-dimpled condition "before."

Photo #34 compares before with after.

Photo #32 shows how bolstering a heel (not previously bolstered) can  
restore
the heel to original (or perhaps idealized) shape. (Compare the profile  
with
neighboring heels)

IMHO, steaming/bolstering restored the characteristics we want,  
(resilience,
firmness, noise- reduction and minimal contact area) quickly and simply.

Being able to "test" the firmness of these reconditioned parts, I'm  
quite
confident the results will be lasting, and when I return the action to  
the
piano, I'd better take my capstan wrench! :>)

BTW, we treated the regulating buttons exactly the same (sorry, no  
photo)
and noted the buttons compressed by about 25%, obviously felt firmer,  
and
had very little dimple remaining.

thanks for your interest,

Mark Cramer,
Brandon University


Photos at:

http://tinyurl.com/52kjm
http://tinyurl.com/6636f
http://tinyurl.com/7292g

Direct ptg.org URLs

https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/files/attachments/5d/55/22/e2/ 
P9030022small.jpg
https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/files/attachments/32/14/7d/32/ 
P9030034small.jpg
https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/files/attachments/a1/d6/c5/ed/ 
P9030032small.jpg