[CAUT] Underlever Felt

[David Ilvedson]

Got it...my original reply to your post was how you adjusted damper springs.   I understood removing the underlever system to adjust springs, but was unclear on what you mean't by finessing individually on re-installation...was that something to do with the springs again?   I understand now...all those things you listed are imperative for good dampening...

I still have a problem determining which way and how to bend the wire for fit in the top flange...do you see something in particular that tells you I need to bend the wire towards the bass?   The first bend is above the top flange?

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "Jon Page" <jonpage at comcast.net>
To: caut at ptg.org
Received: 8/24/2009 4:40:55 PM
Subject: Re: [CAUT] Underlever Felt


>>>"can be finessed individually on reinstallation"
>>>
>>What does that mean...


>Each damper fitted to the strings with more precision
>than some factories allow. It starts with a firm, frictionless
>bushing hold and then bending the wire such that the
>damper moves in a straight, vertical path with the wire
>also falling into the top flange unencumbered by
>misalignment causing stress on the underlever and
>guide rail bushings.

>Having to rely on side pressure on the bushings to dampen
>the wire is counter productive. Time saving maybe but not
>beneficial in the long run or for performance.

>Having the head centered over the unison.

>Cutting the center slice deeper on trichords to allow full
>insertion/contact and a slight billowing. Cutting the trichord felt
>just below the strings and trimming the leading edges of the
>felt to reduce drag.

>Trimming the outside lower corners of the singles if they are
>showing signs of being pressed out to rub against the
>adjacent damper felt.

>Before all this was cutting the felt, graduating the length smaller
>as you go up the scale and gluing in place. Also graduated
>assist spring tension.

>It's all rather simple if you just take the time and price the job accordingly.

>Then you could also just install the dampers in a wholesale manner
>and hope for the best.

>Regards,

>Jon Page