Weights on the keys

[Clyde Hollinger]

Ron,

I agree with you that Dampp-Chaser won't likely work here, but the problem as
stated doesn't involve the keys, so I fail to see how your suggestion of weighting
the keys will help at all.

But it does give me opportunity to ask you and the list something that's been
going on in my mind for a number of years.  I have steadfastly refused to use
Jiffy leads because I assumed that, if the piano worked correctly when it was new,
adding lead weights to the keys is sub-standard piano service, a way to get around
doing the repair correctly.  Am I right or wrong?  I'm willing to give them a
second look.

Regards,
Clyde

Ron Nossaman wrote:

> >I've never before encountered a spinet (in this case a 1963 W****T***) with
> >all hammers so sluggish that moving them toward the strings by hand results
> >in many floating back to rest & many at the extreme ends just staying at the
> >string.  Protek on hammer flanges showed little or no result; key bushings
> >are not binding; strengthening return springs also had little effect.  Piano
> >was not played or tuned for about 10 years. Any suggestions - aside from
> >replacing it with a decent piano? (owner says it really has a beautiful tone,
> >of course).
> >
> >Is it just a combination of factors: poorly weighted keys, weak springs,
> >nonuse, etc.?
> >
> >Thanks for any suggestions.
> >
> >Bruce
>
> Hi Bruce,
> A Dampp Chaser won't do you any good at all, except in enhancing your
> income, and lubricating the action with silicone/naptha or Protek will
> probably help, but also probably won't eliminate the problem. It seems to
> depend on the phase of the moon, or the condition of the elastic in your
> socks. In addition to lubrication,  about the only thing I've found that
> works reliably is to back weight the keys to counteract (counterweight (not
> correct)) the design problem. Jiffy leads work quite nicely, in a kill or
> cure sort of way, and will restore some semblance of reasonably dependable
> function when nothing else I've tried will. You don't necessarily need to
> wear gloves when handling the lead weights, but wash up immediately
> afterwards, and don't rub your eyes or pick your nose during the process.
>
> Safety first.
>
> Ron N