Young Chang Syndrome

[Richard Brekne]

Susan.. this is also typical of graphite use. Perhaps this explains why
graphite does not always result in this problem. Graphite is a bit abrasive,
and given enough time I can imagine weak plateing can be scored away resulting
in a combination of scored and rough pins and the problems with graphite in
general.

Btw.. you got any preferences for what center pins you like to use. I buy
Yamahas and have had great results with them. I tried some offered by a Danish
supply house some years ago that corroded and gummed up in a couple years.
grin.. never again.

Richard Brekne
I.C.P.T.G.  N.P.T.F.
Bergen, Norway

Susan Kline wrote:

> I've found that notes which seize up as they warm up are usually due to
> failed center pin plating. Repinning with a little reaming of the bushing
> seems to work. I suppose some lubricating agent might attack the plating,
> but I've never heard what it is.
>
> I suggest that you take a seized hammer (the hammer flanges usually seize
> the worst) and
> take out the center pin, looking at it under a bright light and a
> magnifier. You'll probably
> see the scored brass at the ends.
>
> Samick has been particularly prone to this, but other Asian pianos
> sometimes seem to have it happen, too. I remember some Daewoos doing it,
> for instance.
>
> Susan
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> At 10:22 PM 01/05/2000 -0500, you wrote:
> >I dub it the "Young Chang Syndrome", where a note on a grand works just
> >great through many repeats, then seizes up.
> >
> >I have been told that Young Chang used a "lubricating" agent in their
> >bushing cloth to super accelerate grand actions only to have it eventually
> >backfire in the field. To their credit, Young Chang has performed vast
> >remedial work under warranty.
> >
> >I've just tuned a 1981(?) Wagner G185 (G812449) grand (Wagner was the
> >forerunner of Young Chang in Canada) which has an extremely heavy, lazy
> >touch. Protek on the knuckles seemed to help the touch in a pinch but not
> >cure the problem. Many tight CP's are evident.
> >
> >My questions are;
> >
> >         What was Young Chang's super accelerator (lubricant) called?
> >         Through which years was it used?
> >         Is there an antidote, short of repinning?
> >
> >Your imput will assist me in  recommending a remedial procedure for the
> >client. This is not a warranty claim.
> >
> >In my opinion, Young Chang has been exemplary in honouring (that's
> >Canadian spelling) warranty claims. These questions are not intended as a
> >"slight" against Young Chang Akki, for I hold the product in high regard.
> >As piano technicians though, we have to know the right answers in order to
> >effectively service our clientele.
> >
> >John Lillico, RPT
> >Oakville, Ontario, Canada
> >