dancing dampers

[Newton Hunt]

>  Could it hurt?  I'm open to suggestions.

I would suggest not doing that, it will make it difficult for the next
person that has to do this work and it might be you.

If you remove a damper you will likely find that the wire has a spline
at the end.  These are parallel lines stamped into the wire to help it
"not move".  I have found splined wires more problematical than
regular wire.

What you need to do it to tighten those screws with a pair of pliers,
parallel jaw, gas or even unlocked vise grips.  A quick twist of the
wrist should od.  After tightening one use the pliers to twist the
wire so it aligns perfectly with the strings and does not move or
twist when it lifts out of unison.  If the wire turns easily you will
need to twist the screw tighter.  After doing a few you will know how
tight to make them all.

Do not do anything to a piano that you cannot undo or that you KNOW is
the best and proper way to do something.  This includes lubricants,
glues, different parts or unusual procedures.

		Newton



Brenda Mamer wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> I've been a quiet lurker since last December.  I have enjoyed following
> the discussions and have gotten some great  ideas from the group,
> thanks.
> 
> Wondering if anyone might have a suggestion for a recurring problem
> which I've been having with a small, fairly new, Zimmerman grand.
> Several times now, I have adjusted the dampers.  I have determined the
> proper length, and alignment of the damper lever wire and 'carefully'
> tightened the screws so as not to let things 'move' out of alignment.
> 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