Repetition Revisited

[Roger Jolly]

Hi Lance, 
              Take a set of compasses, set them at 2 1/2'' to 2 5/8", place
the pencil lead at the end of the molding at the bore hole,  set the point
into the centre line of the shank, and scribe an arc on the tail.
This will confirm if you have a tail geometry problem.  Gina and I have
some photo's coming out in the Journal along with an explaination of tail
and check geometry.
Bill Spurlock's tailing jig will solve this problem for you.
A reasonable rule of thumb to work from. Tailing arc, is half the radius of
the centre to rear of the molding length. Most pianos fall in the 5" to 5
1/4" range

The Rake of the checks for Steinway I think is 22 degrees. Have to dig out
some notes to confirm.

What do you have for after touch?

Regards Roger


At 08:16 AM 07/08/00 -0500, you 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
> 
Roger Jolly
Saskatoon, Canada.
306-665-0213
Fax 652-0505