My two springs worth: The European or Schwander butt spring is nice and neat, permitting easy service (don't have to use your magnetic screwdriver or screwholder to keep from losing the screw upon removal). But it is weaker than the American rail spring. The best designs have a forward tilted plate, which I believe permits the action to be similarly tilted, introducing more gravity into the hammer return. The old Chickering 167BB did this with the Schwander butt; I don't know if any Euro or Japanese pianose have the tilted plate. I don't think even the Bechstein does. I bet that Yamahas would permit a closer letoff adjustment, with less hammer burbling, if the plate were forward tilted. Bill Shull University of Redlands, La Sierra University In a message dated 99-08-24 00:10:53 EDT, you write: << << God I hate those things... I much prefer the European system where the spring is built into individual hammer butts. I am curious, why are rails still used ?? are there any benifits to them ?? Richard Brekne I.C.P.T.G. N.P.T.F. Bergen, Norway >> The spring rails are much easier to regulate for spring tension. Bigger springs and better repetition. Dave Peake, RPT Portland Chapter Oregon City, OR >>
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC