Repetition Revisited

[Victor Belanger]

Hi Lance,

It sounds like mabey the rep. lever's pinning might be on the loose side.
Take the spring out from the spring notch to disengage it, and see if the
lever falls by itself. If so repin it so a nickel on the leather that
contacts the drop screw just goes down. Hope this helps.

Victor Belanger RPT
Somerville, MA

>
>Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 08:19:46 -0500
>From: "Lance Lafargue" <lafargue@iamerica.net>
>Subject: Repetition Revisited
>
>Hey folks,
>I had a problem with repetition on a Steinway concert grand last week that
>has occurred before and hoped someone could help.
>
>I was working for an International Piano Competition in which some very good
>players required lightning fast repetition and for the most part, I achieved
>it.  As the week wore on and the rep springs were repeatedly tightened and
>it was pounded on for 14 hours each day, I noticed a problem I've seen
>before.
>
>This piano has Steinway hammers on it, but not factory original hanging.
>1985...   After the key is depressed and only partially raised (1/8 inch?)
>for the next blow, upon the next key depression the hammer gets wedged
>against the backcheck and blocks.  It doesn't happen every time.  In other
>words the hammer has let off and while the key is still almost completely
>depressed the hammer tail is not against the upper part of the backcheck
>like normal, but much lower and is trapped making the key feel almost like
>the hammer is blocked against the string.
>
>Repetition springs are tight with plenty of bounce.  Key height is close to
>spec, hammer line, dip, etc., all normal.  It doesn't seem like the rep
>lever would allow the hammer to go that low and get trapped.  I have seen
>this on another piano, older vintage (late 60's or 70's).  **I should also
>add that I have not been able to get close checking without the tail rubbing
>on the backcheck on hard blows and I also could not get good checking at all
>on soft blows with the springs on the strong side.  I experimented with
>backcheck angle to no avail.  HELP!!  Thanks in advance.
>
>Lance Lafargue, RPT
>Mandeville, LA
>New Orleans Chapter
>lafargue@iamerica.net