Heavy touch & no dynamic range

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi John:

Occasionally when a piano falls on its back, the action support bolts
get bent and the action may change position. This usually makes the
action lighter however instead of heavier. If the piano fell on its
face, that could make it heavier. That would have had to have happened
wile still in its crate, otherwise, there would be a lot of repair
evidence on the case. If the action shows way too much after touch,
this may be what happened. Most actions are set up in the factory in
a straight line. The capstans impressions on the wippens give evidence
that this  was not set up right or else the piano did take a fall.
Can the action be removed fairly easily when you regulate it? Did you
have to change much in the way of regulation?

Jim Coleman, Sr.

On Tue, 4 Jan 2000, John Lau wrote:

> Hi folks,
> 
> I have a 5 yr old Steinway upright (model 1098) with a heavy
> touch and a lack of dynamic range. It was thought that the
> touch will become lighter as it's being used and the bushings
> loosen up. But after 5 years of moderate use, the touch has
> not changed much. After numerous regulations and checkings
> with up and down weights, the problem (feel) still exist. The
> piano is located in the basement of a house but in a farily
> constant temperature and humidity environment.
> (16 to 20deg C, 39%-45% humidity)  The piano is in good
> shape and is well cared for. The only exception is that
> the action rail bows towards the front (looking down from top).
> At the maximum, it's about 3/16 to 1/4 in from a straight line
> drawn between the two ends. This is confirmed by looking at the
> rub marks the capstains contact the wipens. Does anyone
> has ideas what the problem is? Any solutions/suggestion?
> 
> Your input is much appreciated.
> 
> John Lau (Vancouver, Canada)  
> 
>