Steinway damper to string noise

[Jon Page]

At 09:17 PM 05/11/2000 -0400, you wrote:
>List,
>
>Yesterday I came across a problem on a Steinway (M) 1926 that I was tuning 
>for the first time.  The customer asked if I could take care of the loud 
>booming noise when the sustain pedal was released quickly after being 
>depressed.  This was caused by the dampers dropping on the strings all at 
>once.  I regulated the sustain pedal to remove any extra lost motion.  It 
>did help but did not totally solve the problem.  It is quite annoying as 
>it sounds almost like someone playing a bass drum with a big soft drum 
>beater.  It is quite loud.
>I was wondering if there is something I am overlooking as a solution to 
>this problem.  Any solutions you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Arthur Chickering
>Rockland, ME.

The felt becomes compressed and stiffer over the years.
Lightly sanding the surfaces will reduce the noise some but
replacing the felt is the real cure. Rebush the guide rail as well.

Regards,
Jon Page,   piano technician
Harwich Port, Cape Cod, Mass.
mailto:jonpage@mediaone.net
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