Repetition Revisited

[robert goodale]

This might sound elementary but have you checked for pulley keys?  If the keys
have front to back motion they may Move rearward on a slow release causing them
to jam up against the back check.  Then on a harder blow they work fine.  A
simple problem with a huge impact.

Just a thought.


Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, NV



Lance Lafargue wrote:

> 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