Sluggish keys

[Clyde Hollinger]

Jere,

I assume this is a vertical.  I think there is tightness or sluggishness in
the action or keys.  It is just enough that when the dampers are helping to
return the wippens to rest position, there is no problem.  Depress the
sustain pedal to remove the dampers from the picture and the sluggishness
presents itself.

You have to do some troubleshooting to find the problem.  Move some hammers
toward the strings with your hand and release them.  If they come back
slowly, they are at least part of the problem.  Use CLP on the action centers
or if too tight, repin.

You can also lift several wippens with a finger without using the key.  If
the whole action seems to work okay, then I'll see if the key seems too tight
and if so, ease the key.  Doing one or two should tell you if you're on the
right track.  If you still have the problem, take the action out and check
the wippen flanges.  You may have to remove a wippen to do an adequate check.

You get better at this as you gain experience, and in most cases you'll soon
be able to know where the problem is in a matter of  a minute or two.

Regards,

Clyde Hollinger, RPT
Lititz, PA, USA

jere fryett wrote:

> Dear List,
>
> Today I was tuning a 1941 Haddorff and noticed that the keys were quite
> sluggish when the sustain pedal was used.  The keys seemed normal without
> the use of the sustain.  I also remember this happening in other pianos.
> What causes this and what is the fix?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jere Fryett
> PTG Associate