[CAUT] CAF

[Mark Cramer]

Yes, we call this the after-touch "fine-tuner." 

IME, once escapement is synchronized via the jack, if the jack is out of
line, it indicates an error with one of my other a/t adjustments... i.e.
drop a bit wide, lever a bit low, etc. and I will need to go back and find
it. So, jack position can be a very precise after-touch diagnostic as well..
that is if we don't fudge it by merely lining it up to the core. ;>)

Ciao,
Mark




-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of
Richard Brekne
Sent: August 24, 2009 3:38 AM
To: caut at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [CAUT] CAF

Hi Mark..

Yes... I like the jack a bit looser then the rep lever... but it kinda 
has to be tight enough to handle the tension on the spring correctly.  
It has to move very quickly and firmly in to be sure... but not more so 
then is needed to do the job... otherwise you end up with alot of noise. 
Jack slap back noises are fun enough to keep under control as it is if 
you get my meaning. To be sure tho... seasonal over tightness is to be 
avoided :)

Erics advice has been invaluable for me as well.  I liked his last 
adjustment for let-off and drop...  he fudged on the sacred jack /core 
knuckle line just a smidgen. This after a very very fine regulation mind 
you... so he could get away with it to the actions benefit and not to 
its detriment.

Cheers
RicB


    Ric, for awhile I set rep springs on the very light side (and found
    an ally in Richard Davenport) but in past years... well heck, I've
    pretty much come to agree with everything you said below.

    In Canada, Yamaha techs go to Japan rather than the Little Red
    Schoolhouse for furtherance, and apparently their mantra for rep.
    springs is "Bass like an elephant, tenor like a mouse, and treble
    like a cricket..."   ;>)

    Anyhow, all I can add, is that I prefer the jack pinning fairly
    loose. Even though in most cases the spring is shared with the
    (tightly-pinned) lever, I'm several times more paranoid about a
    jack-center seizing during seasonal change.    

    Regarding repetition lever height, I value the time (and patience)
    Eric Schandall invested back at Steinway, teaching me to feel the
    jack return under the knuckle, this remains my favourite final check.

    best regards,
    Mark Cramer