Young Chang Aftertouch

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi Mike:

Normally, I would say "raise the hammer line." However, is there any 
evidence that the wippen rail is not where it was originally? Is the
action fairly light weight? This could indicate that someone has monkeyed
with the wippen rail, or it just got that way because of loose screws.
If that were the case, you could have the easiest fix imaginable by 
merely putting the wippen rail back where it belongs. This would raise
the hammer line only slightly, but would increase the touch weight and
change the geometry to greater efficiency with a resultant let-off and 
after touch. I hope you get lucky. The most common thing which happens
to a new piano is that the hammer line drops due to compression of the
wippen cloth and the knuckles. Raising the hammerline is a simple fix
in those cases.

Jim Coleman, Sr.

On Wed, 13 May 1998, Mike Masters wrote:

> List,
> I have a regulation problem/questions regarding a 6 year old Young Chang 
> G-157. Apparently a salesman from the dealer has put himself across as a 
> technician for the last 6 years and has been tooning the piano since it 
> was purchased. Has been having problems with "sticky keys" since day 1. 
> The customer called the dealer and was referred to me.
> 
> I can see where the problem lies but am not quite sure what the cause 
> (or than manufacturer mishap) or what may be the best way to properly 
> regulate. The problem has to do with insufficient aftertouch. Hammers 
> have no let-off, drop, or checking for that matter unless a sharp 
> blow(test-blow strength) is used. I think this is explained as the felt 
> punchings are compressing enough on the hard blows to allow let-off and 
> drop to occur. Hammers are blocking against the strings on soft blows no 
> feel of let-off or drop or aftertouch in keystroke. 
> 
> Key height is good, key dip is sufficient (as far as factory specs and 
> geometry go) blow distance is about 47 mm(which is good) let off is 
> high, no drop, unless front rail punchings are removed which seems to 
> (in reference to sharp dip) be too much. I don't want to increase the 
> dip by as much as the action is asking for because the sharps will be at 
> the same height as the naturals when depressed.
> 
> Now my questions are what is the best approach to proper regulation?
> Would decreasing the blow distance to allow more aftertouch be wise or 
> would increasing the key dip be better. Any suggestions or comments are 
> appreciated.
> Thanks in advance.
> 
> Mike Masters
> Masters Piano Service
> Lakewood, OH
>