dancing dampers

Guy, Karen, and Tor Nichols nicho@roadrunner.com
Tue, 27 Apr 1999 13:37:03 -0600


At 01:31 PM 4/27/99 -0700, you wrote:
>Hi,
>I've been a quiet lurker since last December. 

What? :^)

>I've tried to leave the screws tight.  When I return they are loose!
>Either the heads are  twisted or the damper wire has slipped or both.
>One thing I was thinking about trying is to regulate them yet again, and
>then put a tiny dab of thick CA glue where the damper lever wire goes
>into the damper lift flange.  Could it hurt?  I'm open to suggestions.
>                                            Thanks,
>                                            Brenda  Mamer, RPT
>                                            [up north] Merrill, WI
Brenda,
	We get that problem due to dryness. I'd use a heavier-bodied, forever
flexible glue, like PVC-e or (shudder) hot glue-gun glue. That way, when
the damper wire needs a minor twist, you can just grab it with pliers right
above the lifter and gently twist without loosening the screw or changing
the height/timing. CA could wick into the screw ferrule and set that puppy
forever, like lock-tite. With hot glue, you can remove or clean it easily
with re-application of a little heat. The tiny glue guns with crafty little
tips can turn that job into a simple and quick fix.
	A more permanent fix is to pull the set, and roll the end of the wire
between a piece of hardwood and a large mill file. Quick, painless, and
unless the lifter screws are totally screwed-up, will be the last slip
you'll see from that piano.
	I only have one Zimmerman in my service area. Twice a year I tune it, and
double it's value. I hope that's not the general rule. Likely not, since
they make (made) a bunch of 'em.

Have a heck of a good time,
Guy Nichols, RPT
Chapter 799
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