Bechstein Actions

[Dennis Johnson]

        Sorry to bring this up again, but I am wondering if any of you know
the story behind those European whippen flange springs.  I am just
finishing the Bechstein action I had mentioned before and it is clear to me
now that this action could have been improved with them.  I really hate
adding lead, but this is one of the most lightly leaded keyboards I've seen
(what you would expect from an action with whippen flange springs) yet
there were none.  When I received this it had DN weight of 65 grams, UP of
35+ with the old parts. I used the new Renner wippens and have removed as
much weight as I dare from the new hammers and shanks (which really is a
lot) and now it is about 55 down and 26 up.  I've decided to add a little
lead, but perhaps I should have talked to David Stanwood about his new
whippen flange spring modifications, and used them.  We all know that
supposedly the European actions are designed for heavier hammers, - but not
this one!  Does anyone know the history of those things?  Did Bechstein add
them after 1910?   Thanks.


Dennis Johnson
St. Olaf College
johnsond@stolaf.edu