In a message dated 2/11/00 2:12:04 PM Pacific Standard Time, bases-loaded@juno.com writes: << Hello - After having the good fortune to have not run into a birdcage action in app. 10 years, I had the extreme misfortune to run into 2 of them this week. I have basically two questions, although "what were they thinking?" also comes to mind. 1. Do these actions ever damp well? In both instances, the damper felt seemed soft enough, and was regulated properly, but the pianos sounded as if someone forgot to install dampers! 2. What is the most sane way to tune these critters? I actually had to lean the actions back and pluck strings in the center section, as it was impossible to get mutes in there. Do you lean it back and strip mute the whole thing? I can't imagine a process that isn't unwieldy... It is no great surprise to me that this design went out of favor 100 years ago! Mark Potter bases-loaded@juno.com >> The best way to tune them is to remove the action and strip mute the entire piano. Leave enough leader in the strip and bring it between the cage wires so you can pull it out when tuning unisons. Do not be too picky and as critical as a "normal" piano. I never pitch raise them unless it has been restrung which is an extreme rarity for these pianos. I am very glad only a few of them are in my clientele. Dave Peake, RPT Portland Chapter Oregon City, OR
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