[CAUT] New Backchecks?

[David Ilvedson]

great article in the latest Journal by Davenport on backcheck installation...

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: rwest1 at unl.edu
To: caut at ptg.org
Received: 4/28/2009 2:35:25 PM
Subject: Re: [CAUT] New Backchecks?


>I don't remember if the back checks were replaced on that piano.  But  
>back checks can be tricky.   There were many posts about Steinway and  
>changes over the years.  Well, you have to include back checks in  
>that discussion.  A few years ago Steinway switched to a very stiff  
>wire, so stiff that you couldn't adjust the back check without  
>compromising the hole in the key.  They started using a multi- 
>laminate piece glued to the key at the base of the wire.  But if you  
>used those new back checks in old softwood keys, you had to buy a  
>front/back wire bending pliers.  Trying to bend the wire with your  
>finger or thumb was difficult and hard on the key.  Newer Steinways  
>seem to have a little less stiffness in the wire, but not much less.

>I've used non-Steinway back checks, but the fluting can be a problem  
>as well as the diameter and length.  If the length of the wire is too  
>long to get proper back check height, you have to clip off some of  
>the wire.  That shortens the length of fluting that will hold the  
>wire in the hole in the key.

>Fred Sturm said he preferred the less stiff variety.  I have to  
>agree.  So why did Steinway change?  And why were the old back checks  
>long on wood and short on wire? And why are some back check wires  
>installed at an angle, while others are installed vertically with an  
>extreme bend in the middle?

>Richard West


>On Apr 28, 2009, at 9:18 AM, Paul T Williams wrote:

>> 	
>> To
>> cc
>> Subject
>> New Backchecks?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> How often do y'all replace your backchecks on concert grands?   
>> Where is the cut-off point? One of our D's is getting new hammers  
>> and an action overhaul this summer.  The BC's are looking a bit  
>> tired, but no cut-throughs on the leather.  Some in the middle are  
>> getting pretty thin.  I think Richard West told me the action was  
>> "completely"(?) rebuilt about 15 years ago and it gets a lot of use  
>> for recitals and rehersals all school year long.  It's a 1980 Sty  
>> D.  The BC's might even be original and not part of the stack  
>> rebuild.  Richard, are you checking out e-mails this morning?
>>
>> Thanks all.
>>
>> Paul