[CAUT] Okay brainiacs..

[David Love]

I don't know that there is a standard measurement.  The underlevers should
align slightly right so that when you engage the una corda pedal they don't
shift onto the adjacent key.  The capstans should be centered but you might
check to see whether the wippen flanges are moved to one side in order to
achieve that alignment. Unfortunately, on a Steinway, you don't have much
wiggle room on the hammer flanges because of the design of the hammer rail,
but you do have some.  Be sure that the hammers are 90 degrees to the
strings at let-off and that any misalignment is not due to the hammers
leaning to one side.     

You will have to find some compromise that allows everything to align
functionally.  If the underlevers are correct and you are able to move the
hammer alignment then I would go with that.  If you need to move the cleat
in order to achieve functional hammer alignment then look to see if you can
shift the underlevers by changing the thickness of the felt punching that
usually sits between the pivot pin and the block.  You will then have to
adjust the wippen alignment which you can usually do with the amount of play
for the screw in the flange.  No simple method here, you will have to assess
each requirement and predetermine what a move will mean before you undertake
any major changes.  

David Love
davidlovepianos at comcast.net 
www.davidlovepianos.com

-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of
Michelle Stranges
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 1:55 PM
To: College and University Technicians
Subject: [CAUT] Okay brainiacs..

:(


Can someone please tell me the measurement/width of an original  
Steinway D bass cleat ? (i.e.- with original white action cloth/felt)

I'm having troubles trying to start regulating in that:

*Replacement* felt (thick red bushing cloth) was added on to cleat.  
(original white cloth was removed) and nothing was shimmed behind it  
the cleat.

**************************

Here's the problem and what I find with that UNoriginal cloth  *on*  
the cleat:

My hammers seem to need to go way to the LEFT. (Felt on cleat too  
thick?)
*But* the underlevers  are way to the RIGHT on the end of the key.   
(Felt not think enough!?)

Capstans are relatively square under the wippens.

Right now I just want the exact dimensions of the cleat to "start over".

I'll keep at this and checking over stuff, but I'm about to pull out  
my phoney red hair and call in the authorities.
Or shove it in the lake.

("They're coming to take me away ha haaa he heee to the funny farm!")

:(
Anon.