[CAUT] S&S D tenor dampers

[Fred Sturm]

On 4/30/05 7:52 AM, "Cy Shuster" <741662027@theshusters.org> wrote:

> Thanks for the tips.  I didn't realize that wear caused them to dangle down
> like that; I assumed they were like that from new!  So they should all be
> trimmed flush with the underside of the strings, to prevent future mishaps
> like this.
> 
> --Cy--
 Actually they often/almost always are like that from new (ie, extending too
far below the strings, like in Barbara Richmond's photo). Most trichord felt
will dangle too far except in the wound trichord area of D's (where they
often aren't sharp enough to get between the strings - much smaller space -
but that's another topic).
    It would be great if there were enough time and money around so that all
trichords could be trimmed precisely in the factory, so no extra felt
extends below the string. Fazioli does it, and maybe Shigeru Kawai, but I
doubt any other manufacturer does.
    Trimming trichords is a high priority for me, especially in performance
pianos. Not only does the excess felt cause whooshing and other noises (up
and down), but it often doesn't completely clear the strings when the key is
down or the damper pedal is depressed, meaning it is damping a bit all the
time. You just need to set aside a few hours and do the tedious work
(including re-regulating). Or do a few at a time, when you have 10 - 15
minutes to spare on the instrument.
    The "rule" is that any felt which extends below the widest part of the
string has no positive effect, and may have a negative one. If the felt is
just even with the bottom of the strings, that's a good, practical,
conservative situation. It's nice to trim the sharp edges of each leg of the
trichord while you're at it ("round" them a wee bit), so the tapers slide
nicely by the strings (sharp edges might catch, impede the complete and
efficient movement of the damper to rest position).
Regards,
Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico